Clark University is gearing up to launch the School of Climate, Environment, and Society, set to open in Fall 2025. This new school aims to address pressing climate challenges through innovative education and research.
Recently, President David Fithian announced the appointment of Lou Leonard as the first D.J.A. Spencer Dean of the school. Leonard previously served as the dean at Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability and has a strong background in environmental advocacy, notably as the senior vice president at the World Wildlife Fund. He holds a degree from Georgetown University and a JD in environmental law from Boston College Law.
In his words, “The threats to society from ecological and social crises are clear and increasing. The real question is how we will respond. I’m excited to join a university that is taking significant steps to meet this challenge.” Leonard emphasizes the need for bold collaboration to implement effective solutions for climate issues, redefining the intersection of natural and human systems.
President Fithian highlighted that the School of Climate, Environment, and Society will leverage Clark’s unique size and expertise to make a tangible impact on climate issues. This new initiative stands out due to its focus on research and practical solutions that address the global climate crisis.
The school plans to introduce new undergraduate and graduate programs that cover topics such as climate science, environmental studies, and sustainability. These programs will revolve around five key themes:
- Sustainable and climate-resilient development
- Governance, equity, and justice
- Urban systems and livelihoods
- Socioeconomic systems and sustainability transitions
- Earth systems, conservation, and ecosystem services
Starting in Fall 2025, students will have access to an interdisciplinary curriculum that prepares them for careers in these crucial fields. This approach combines critical thinking with real-world applications, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to tackle climate-related challenges.
The new school will be a hub for scholars and practitioners from various departments, including the Graduate School of Geography and the Department of Sustainability and Social Justice. It aims to integrate diverse expertise from across the university to amplify its impact on climate change solutions.
David Hayes, a former White House climate policy advisor, praised Clark’s human-centered, flexible approach to addressing climate change. He views Leonard’s leadership as a vital asset for the school’s success. “Clark’s model exemplifies how educational institutions can foster innovation and sustainable solutions,” he mentioned.
The vision for the School of Climate, Environment, and Society emerged from several faculty committees tasked with identifying Clark’s strengths in making a lasting impact. This new initiative builds on Clark’s rich history in sciences and humanities related to environmental change, aiming to accelerate the development of practical solutions.
A $10 million donation from philanthropist Vickie Riccardo and her daughters helped kick-start this project, funding the dean’s position and the initial program designs. Professor Deborah Robertson, who chaired the search committee for the dean, highlighted the significance of this school in furthering Clark’s collaborative mission to make a difference in the world. “Lou Leonard’s leadership will guide us as we explore the exciting opportunities that lie ahead,” she said.
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