From Transfer to Trailblazer: Ben Dewitt’s Urban Studies Journey at UofL

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences 

Ben Dewitt is celebrating more than earning his degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in Urban Planning—he’s also marking the end of a transformative chapter that began with a leap of faith. 

Originally from Louisville, Dewitt spent his first two years of college at Murray State University, where he was majoring in Geography. But after realizing his interests were leaning more toward the built environment and how people move and live within it, he made the decision to transfer to UofL for his junior year. 

“Geography really sparked my interest first,” he said. “I’ve always been fascinated by cityscapes—how cities are so interconnected across public and private sectors, and how those systems affect people’s everyday lives.” 

At UofL, he found his niche in urban planning and a new academic home in the Department of Urban and Public Affairs (UPA). With a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Dewitt deepened his interest in mapping and public transportation, two areas that he says reveal a lot about how a city functions—and who it serves. 

One class in particular, taught by UPA Professor Dr. Matt Ruther, helped Ben connect his academic interests to real-world issues in Louisville.  

“Dr. Ruther is really interested in how Louisville’s demographics have shifted over time, and learning about the city’s history—from streetcars to city-county merger—made me realize how urban planning can impact equity,” Ben said. 

That historical perspective has sharpened his focus on Louisville’s public transportation challenges.  

“We’re seeing TARC routes being cut, which really impacts underserved areas,” he explained. “Louisville doesn’t have the density for rail, but it definitely has the need for buses. When funding is pulled, it’s the communities already struggling that feel it the most.” 

Last summer, Dewitt researched urban heat islands in Louisville—an issue that also disproportionately affects lower-income neighborhoods.  

“It was eye-opening to see how some areas experience significantly higher heat compared to places like the East End,” he said. “That kind of data drives home the importance of equitable planning.” 

Dewitt’s next steps are still taking shape. He plans to take a semester off before possibly heading to graduate school. Whether he ends up in the private sector focusing on mapping, or working in government planning, his goal is clear: “I want to help historically underserved communities in Louisville. That’s where I see myself making the biggest difference.” 

For students considering Urban Studies at UofL, Dewitt has this advice: “Get involved early. We have the Urban and Public Affairs Student Association (UPASA), which hosts regular events with city leaders. Recently we had a roundtable with folks from TARC, the Metropolitan Housing Coalition, and the mayor’s office. Building that network is key—it opens doors.” 

This summer, Dewitt will intern with NASA, using satellite imagery to study urban heat in Idaho’s Treasure Valley. His research aims to support environmental equity by identifying opportunities to expand tree canopy coverage in urban areas. 

As a proud transfer student and recent UofL graduate, his journey reflects the power of following your interests, embracing change, and staying grounded in your community.