Paris Hackett
Master of Architecture
Hometown: Charlotte
Graduation Year: 2029
Where did you get your undergraduate degree and what was your major?
My undergraduate degree is in Media and Journalism, and I received it from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Spring 2022.
Why did you choose UNC Charlotte?
I chose UNC Charlotte because it allows me to continue investing in the city that has shaped me. As someone who grew up in Charlotte and now works in commercial real estate, I’ve developed a passion for the way architecture, development, and community intersect. Staying in Charlotte means I can continue building on my professional experience while learning from a program that is closely connected to the city’s growth. With the support I received from UNC Charlotte, I can pursue my degree while staying focused on my goal of designing places that have a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
What sort of career do you hope to have?
I hope to build a career as an architect focused on creating places that strengthen communities and improve the quality of life. My background in commercial real estate marketing has given me an understanding of how development, design, and community all work together, and I want to use architecture to make a more direct impact on the built environment. I’m especially interested in mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse, and projects that can revitalize neighborhoods while remaining accessible to the people who live there.
Describe the Herschel and Cornelia Everett Foundation Master’s Graduate Fellowship: what it entails, what it means to you to receive it.
The Herschel and Cornelia Everett Foundation Master’s Graduate Fellowship is a competitive, nomination-based award that provides a $14,500 stipend and in-state tuition during my first year of graduate school, with continued tuition support in my second year through a graduate assistantship or fellowship. The fellowship recognizes students with strong academic achievement and success in graduate study.
Receiving this fellowship is both an honor and an investment in my future. It significantly reduces the financial burden of pursuing my Master of Architecture, allowing me to focus on my education, professional growth, and community involvement. Knowing that my graduate program nominated me for this award makes it especially meaningful, as it reflects their confidence in my potential and future.