Allie Cook ’28 named Newman Civic Fellow
Allie Cook ’28, whose work connects historic preservation, housing justice and community-based research in eastern Connecticut, has been named a 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact.
Cook, an architectural studies and anthropology double major and scholar in the Holleran Center for Community Action and Public Policy, joins student civic leaders from 39 states; Washington, D.C.; and Mexico in the yearlong fellowship.
The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Each Campus Compact member president or chancellor may nominate one student from their institution for the fellowship.
Cook’s work examines the relationship between the built environment and housing insecurity, including how histories of urban renewal, redlining and disinvestment continue to affect communities today.
Through her work with the Center for Housing Opportunity Eastern Connecticut, Cook has combined historical research with community-based work focused on housing in the region. She has collaborated with residents, tenant organizers and community organizations while developing a deeper understanding of housing policy, affordability and tenant rights.
Her interest grew from a Connecticut College course examining the built environment and how people interact with it. She later took a seminar focused on the history of housing affordability in eastern Connecticut and became particularly interested in the lasting effects of urban renewal.
Cook approaches historic preservation as more than the preservation of buildings. Her work explores how the history of neighborhoods and the built environment can help communities understand current housing challenges and participate in decisions affecting the places where they live.
“Allie’s selection as a Newman Civic Fellow reflects the kind of thoughtful, community-minded leadership we hope to cultivate at Connecticut College,” President Andrea E. Chapdelaine said. “Her commitment to civic engagement, along with her interest in architecture and historic preservation, demonstrates how students can connect their academic pursuits to the communities and issues they care about. We are proud to see her represent Conn in this national cohort.”
Cook spent summer 2026 as the Myrick Howard Preservation Intern with Preservation North Carolina, where she gained additional experience in historic preservation.
The Newman Civic Fellowship runs from September through May 2027. Fellows participate in virtual professional and leadership development, receive one-on-one mentorship and join a national network of student civic leaders. Fellows may also apply for grants of up to $1,500 to support community projects and pursue scholarship, career, publishing and presentation opportunities.
The Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows is scheduled for Nov. 5-7 and will bring fellows together for three days of skill-building, collaboration and networking.
