A master’s thesis represents a culmination of education, research, and technique. It is a successful demonstration in developing a research plan, conducting independent research methodology, and interpreting and reporting upon the resulting data.

The result of these labors was Bellevue Believes. Utilizing Plus Public as both inspiration and officiate, this research sought to explore how design thinking integrates and supports the process of community identification by way of community development initiatives within the borough of Bellevue, Pennsylvania. 

As a community experiencing economic revitalization but lacking in a shared community identity, Bellevue was chosen as the focal point of this research. Born of a simple idea and developed into a year-long research initiative, Bellevue Believes records the perceptions, experiences, and influences its citizens had in the creation of social capital, the articulation of community identity, and the inspiration behind community development initiatives.

In 2020, Radford University awarded Kent Kerr the degree of Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design Thinking, following the successful completion and defense of this master’s thesis.