The American Planning Association Missouri Chapter awarded the 2016 Distinguished Leadership Award for a Professional Planner to emeritus faculty member, Diane May, AICP (pictured left, with Dean Tammy Jahnke). She was recognized for her service and dedication to the planning profession at the 2016 Planning Awards Reception on October 6.

Throughout her 30 -year career, Diane helped educate hundreds of planners across the country, led a 10-county regional planning commission, and provided vital planning services to several cities and counties in southwest Missouri. Her work through MSU’s Center for Resource Planning & Management and through the SW Missouri Council of Governments helped improve the quality of life for generations of Missourians and equipped hundreds of individuals across the country with the knowledge and skills necessary to start a career in planning.

APA Missouri celebrates National Community Planning Month in October by honoring Diane’s exemplary dedication to APA and the American Collegiate Schools of Planning (ACSP) and her leadership in professional planning and education. Her work helped to strengthen each organization and to shape the services that APA Missouri offers today, particularly to students.

Friends, family, and many professional associates came to honor Diane. To send your congratulations, email her at DianeMay@MissouriState.edu.