Trustees’ Medal Award The Trustee’s Medal Award is the university’s highest form of recognition for faculty achievement. Each year since 1978, the award has honored teaching excellence, significant contributions to scholarship and research,
and accomplishments in the development of academic programs and curriculums. The award consists of a silver medallion and a $1,500 cash prize from the EWU Foundation.
Kerry Brooks, PhD Kerry Brooks, PhD, director of Urban and Regional Planning Programs at EWU, is highly regarded for his teaching excellence, his contributions in research and scholarship, and his influential work in the development of learning processes, programs and curricula at Eastern. He also serves as a tremendous mentor and advocate for the students who pass through his program. Dr. Brooks has published his research consistently and extensively in a variety of academic journals, and has presented his research findings at meetings and conferences in both across the United States and abroad. Just as impressive is Brooks’ service to the planning profession and presence in the community, whether it be consulting/advising for local and state planning departments, environmental planning organizations or private firms. He has and continues to serve on or chairs a wide variety of boards for professional organizations, task forces, and committees. For instance, he contributed to the development of the City of Spokane Pedestrian Master Plan – a recipient of the Governor’s Smart Communities Award in 2016. While a graduate student at the University of Washington,
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Brooks earned both a master’s degree in urban planning (1983) and a doctorate in urban design and planning (1991). He has been a professor and director of urban planning at Eastern since 2013. “Dr. Brooks work speaks to our EWU mission of transforming our region,” wrote faculty member Margo Hill, of the Tribal Planning Program with Urban & Regional Planning. “Kerry maintains an excellent relationship with the planning professionals of the Inland Northwest. These amazing contacts help support our classes, provide mentorship and these planning professionals hire our students.” Teal Delys, a 2019 Master of Urban & Regional Planning graduate, worked with Brooks as a research assistant on the North Spokane Corridor Project. “Dr. Brooks is not only committed to providing opportunities for students to connect with professional planners and developing the skills they need in the job market,” Delys said, “but he also imbues planning values into students that have lasting impacts on the communities we go on to serve.”
