NAU is offering a new approach to environmental education by combining the Geology Department and the Center for Sustainable Environments to create the School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability. 

The new program provides students with an integrated approach to learning about environmental issues by combining multiple academic units as a part of the College of Engineering, Forestry and Natural Sciences.

Abe Springer, the director of the new school, said he hopes the initiative will serve as an example for other universities in Arizona.

“The vision of the school is to be a premier entity of having integrated earth sciences and sustainability programs in the Southwest,” Springer said. “What NAU offers with these programs is a unique bridge and connection to the outstanding resources that surround us.”

With the new school, Springer said students will benefit from more faculty, different areas of interests and additional opportunities to participate in field-oriented course work. It is also anticipated by faculty that funds for more equipment and research grants will be easier to obtain because the school is larger. 

Scott Anderson, the environmental sciences coordinator, said the school was created at a high point of environmental consciousness and therefore offers various opportunities for faculty and students to expand their resources.

“I think there are lots of things that can be done on different levels,” Anderson said. “Everything is in place for this. The faculty here at NAU is exceptional. The consciousness of environmental issues is very, very high. I have a very good feeling about the long-term prospects.”

Because the program is larger, Anderson said he hopes the school will have more visibility and attract interest from outside parties to help fund projects.

“Now all of a sudden we have something that’s new and big,” Anderson said. “Maybe someone who has money will become interested and become a little more involved. [So] we’re hoping by doing this we will attract the right kind of outside benefactor.”

Christine Yamanaka, a senior elementary education major, said she thinks the school will be successful in creating well-trained graduates and raising awareness of environmental issues.

“I think it’s great that they get more field experience,” Yamanaka said. “It’s important to be aware about the environment because people use so much that they don’t need. You don’t see the impact right away, but it affects everyone.”

Under the school, undergraduate programs will be offered in environmental sciences, environmental studies, and geology; graduate programs will include environmental sciences and policy and geology.

The school also houses the Colorado Plateau Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, NAU’s partnership with multiple federal agencies to provide students with opportunities for field research.

Springer said he thinks NAU students have an advantage over other universities because Flagstaff is a good example of an environmentally conscious community and offers multiple outlets for practical experience.

“What the school does is work to help enhance and strengthen the sustainable aspects of our community,” Springer said. “A lot of our undergraduates are placed within Flagstaff [for internship programs].”

Anderson said he agrees the community is generally in tune with environmental issues, which may help the new school become a notable establishment.

“Other universities in the Southwest and in Arizona tend to be more urban,” Anderson said. “[Flagstaff] is a real leader in Arizona in recycling. There are the budding industries in solar and wind power. I would say that Flagstaff and NAU have a good handle on environmental issues. We are getting greener all the time.”