Known for bridging the gap between academics and the community in his research into non-motorized transportation, Humphrey School Professor Greg Lindsey has been named the winner of the 2019 University of Minnesota President's Community-Engaged Scholar Award.
The award recognizes University faculty who demonstrate academically relevant work that advances scholarship in one or more academic disciplines, is conducted in partnership with external entities, and addresses critical societal issues. Lindsey was chosen from six finalists by a committee of peers from throughout the University and honored at an April 4 ceremony.
Lindsey works in the Humphrey School’s urban and regional planning area. His current research involves analysis of active travel, or non-motorized transportation, with a focus on bicycle and pedestrian traffic and infrastructure. His work has had significant impacts and is shaping the ways state and local governments plan for active travel.
At least 10 public agencies, including the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Department of Natural Resources, and Hennepin County, have implemented new monitoring programs to measure bicycling and pedestrian traffic volumes, based on research by Lindsey and his students.
Several of Lindsey’s faculty colleagues nominated him for the award, saying his work is nationally recognized as an “exemplar of community-engaged scholarship.”
“He and his students and collaborators are developing new methods to monitor and model non-motorized transportation, and he is helping public agencies and nonprofit organizations in Minnesota and across the United States to implement new programs to build evidence for active travel,” his nomination letter says.
Some of Lindsey's former students also praised him for his approach to integrating research, teaching, and community outreach that helped them succeed in their studies and in the job market.
Five alumni described how their transportation capstone projects led to their first jobs following graduation, and four others went on to earn their doctorates.
“Greg is an excellent academic and personal mentor,” says alumnus Steve Hankey (MURP ‘12), now an assistant professor of urban affairs and planning at Virginia Tech University. “A unique aspect of his mentorship is that he encourages students to craft projects that will be useful for community partners, and trains students to hone that skill to carry forward in their future work.”
Lindsey says he’s grateful for the recognition.
“I am most gratified by the work my students have done in the community, and to build our field. I am fortunate to have had these types of opportunities and to have worked with bright, committed students and dedicated public servants,” he says. “My job has been a gift. I am extremely grateful to the Humphrey School and the University of Minnesota for the opportunities they have provided.”
“This is a tremendous honor for Greg and for our School,” says Dean Laura Bloomberg. “I'm delighted that the University-wide review committee realized what we here at the Humphrey School certainly know: that Greg is a most worthy recipient of this award.”
Lindsey will receive a cash award and a commemorative work of art created by a local artist, and his name will be added to the UMN Scholars Walk.
