Simon Case – master’s student in Urban and Regional Planning – recently began a Graduate Research Assistantship in the Office of the President and Provost at Florida State University.
In this role, Case supports university advancement and executive-level projects, contributing research and strategic analysis that inform institutional planning and decision-making. Working directly within FSU’s executive suite has given him a unique perspective on how data, planning, and policy work together to guide long-term university growth and academic excellence.
“For me, this work has reshaped how I understand planning,” Case said. “Seeing firsthand how research drives decision-making at the highest levels of the university has strengthened my passion for FSU and deepened my commitment to using planning to support strong, resilient communities.”
Case is pursuing a Master of Science in Planning (MSP) with a focus on Environmental and Neighborhood Planning. His academic interests center on environmental resilience, equitable development, and community design. As an undergraduate, he graduated cum laude from FSU with a degree in Classical Civilizations and a minor in Urban and Regional Planning, later continuing into the Combined Pathway program to begin graduate coursework early.
Beyond the classroom, Case has built an extensive record of service and leadership. He currently serves as Vice President of Alumni Relations for Garnet and Gold Key Leadership Honorary and is a member of DURPSA. Previously, he was deeply involved in the FSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM), where he served as Vice President, directed regional retreats, worked as an ACC Campus Liaison, and was selected as an FSU Garnet and Gold Guy in 2024.
Case describes his time at the BCM as one of the most defining parts of his undergraduate experience. There, he found mentorship, community, and personal growth—ultimately meeting his closest friends and his fiancée. He credits BCM Director Barry R. Sproles as a mentor who shaped his leadership, faith, and academic journey.
When reflecting on the academic experiences that most influenced his professional goals, Case emphasized the value of hands-on projects in environmental resilience, land use, and urban design. “My courses and professional experiences taught me how planning impacts both physical spaces and social outcomes,” he said. “They pushed me to think about how we build communities that are equitable, sustainable, and connected.”
After graduating in 2027, Case plans to pursue a career in urban and regional planning, with a long-term goal of planning communities that balance environmental responsibility with social equity. He hopes to work within a planning firm where he can help design spaces that support resilient and thriving neighborhoods.
Visit https://cosspp.fsu.edu/durp learn more about FSU’s Urban and Regional Planning program.