NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, recently selected Cordell Hinton, a second-year Auburn Master of Real Estate Development student, as recipient of the 2016 Diversity Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Scholarship.

NAIOP Chairman Ashley Powell and Vice President of Membership Courtney Bulger informed Hinton of his selection July 5. The selection process was extremely competitive and candidates highly qualified, Bulger said.

In addition to the $5,000 scholarship, Hinton receives complimentary registration to the 2016 NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Conference in Scottsdale, AZ in September and recognition in NAIOP Development magazine.

The Diversity CRE Scholarship supports graduate and undergraduate students pursuing a degree that will lead to a career in the commercial real estate industry. Preference is given to students who have been traditionally under-represented in the commercial real estate field. It is awarded based on academic achievement, involvement in NAIOP, commitment to a career in commercial real estate and recommendation from a CRE instructor or professor.

“For commercial real estate, attracting diverse professionals enriches the talent pool and enables the industry to stay relevant and in-touch with an ever-increasing global business community,” said Thomas J. Bisacquino, president and CEO of NAIOP. “We are pleased to support this high-achieving graduate student as part of NAIOP’s strategic diversity initiative, and commend Hinton’s unique perspective and passion for improving communities through commercial real estate.”

Other recipients of NAIOP’s 2016 Diversity Scholarship Award are:

• Michelle Doong, a graduate student in the Master of Real Estate Development program at the University of Utah.
• Dorcus Gyamerah, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Real Estate program at the University of St. Thomas.
• Ana Kalugina, a graduate student in the Master of Business Administration/Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate program at Cornell University.
• Emilie Rottman, a graduate student in the Master of Real Estate Development program at the University of Maryland.

Hinton is expected to complete his Master of Real Estate Development degree, part of Auburn University’s Graduate Executive Programs, in spring 2017. He is the owner and broker of Hinton Realty Group, a full-service real estate firm in Los Angeles that focuses on single family, commercial and investment properties throughout Southern California. He also is director of operations of a second investment real estate business that refurbishes and sells homes. He and his wife, Rosalynn, have two children, Samson, four and Asaad, age six.

Hinton, who resides in Los Angeles, considered attending a Master of Real Estate Development program at the University of Southern California but was drawn to the Auburn Graduate Executive Programs. 

 “The thing I liked about Auburn is its focus on creating developers as opposed to lower or mid-level analysts. From day one, Auburn program instructors tell you that if you are not interested in making the management decisions, you are in the wrong program,” Hinton said. “This was the quantum leap I was trying to make when getting into commercial development. This program was the nexus of a lot of great things, so that’s why I make the sojourn every semester to Auburn (for residency)."

About NAIOP: NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the leading organization for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, retail and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP provides unparalleled industry networking and education, and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of our members. NAIOP advances responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live. For more information, visit www.naiop.org.