Alabama A&M University junior Stacey Brewer, an urban planning major from Birmingham, Alabama, has been named the 2025 Valarie J. McCall Scholar by the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF).

Brewer is one of only 33 scholars selected nationwide and the sole HBCU representative among this year’s recipients. The prestigious $7,500 scholarship – awarded through the APTF, the philanthropic arm of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) – honors individuals preparing for careers in public transportation, planning, and related fields.

Brewer was recognized during the APTA Annual Meeting, held September 14–17 in Boston, Massachusetts, where she networked with industry leaders and learned about emerging trends in transportation.

“This scholarship gives me an opportunity to learn about transportation planning and network with professionals in the field,” said Brewer. “It allows me to continue my studies and not give up so close to the finish line.”

Brewer applied for the scholarship in June after learning about it from Dr. Zakhary Mallett, assistant professor of community and regional planning. Mallett noted that Brewer is the second student from AAMU’s Department of Community and Regional Planning (DCRP) in as many years to earn an APTF scholarship.

“Stacey’s recognition speaks to the growing national visibility of our students and their potential to shape the future of urban and transportation planning,” said Mallett.

The Valarie J. McCall Scholarship is named after the civic leader and APTA executive board member whose advocacy and leadership have advanced equity and inclusion in public transit. The APTF’s mission is to increase and retain the number of individuals pursuing careers in the transit field by providing scholarships and professional development opportunities to students and transit professionals – the industry’s future leaders.

Brewer’s path to urban planning was shaped by hands-on experience and a desire to make communities safer.

“Originally, I wanted to study architecture,” she explained. “But after working in an architecture firm, life changes, and much research, I learned about urban planning – and I knew this was meant for me.”

Her long-term goal is to combine her background in truck driving with her education in urban planning to focus on hazard mitigation – helping cities strengthen their infrastructure and prepare for natural disasters.

A proud transfer student from Lawson State and Bishop State Community Colleges, Brewer credits her success to faculty mentors such as Dr. Mallett and Dr. Ahmed Ouf, who have guided her academic and career path.

Brewer also shares a family connection to The Hill. Her brother Stanphany Brewer graduated from Alabama A&M University 2005 and was a member of the Marching Maroon and White Band, a legacy that deepened her admiration for the institution and influenced her decision to enroll.

“My time here at AAMU has been challenging yet rewarding,” Brewer said. “As a non-traditional student, I’ve pushed myself past limits I previously set. Each week, I prove to myself that I am more than capable.”