John Mullen, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sustainability Education

Thanks to the Frances R. Lax Fund for Faculty Development, I will be able to attend the Higher Education Climate Leadership Summit (HECLS) from February 11-13, 2024, hosted by Second Nature and the Intentional Endowments Network in Long Beach, California.

This event is an important annual gathering of higher education leaders committed to addressing inequity and the climate crisis. As a member of our Catalysts for Sustainability initiative, whose mission is to "develop, advance, and communicate solutions to humanity's most pressing existential threats posed by the climate and biodiversity crises," my participation in this summit will provide opportunities to foster collaboration and explore strategies to further sustainability initiatives at Rowan University.

Attending HECLS will enable: A) Networking Opportunities: Engaging with higher education leaders and sustainability experts will help us establish collaborative relationships with other institutions, leading to potential partnerships and knowledge exchange. B) Best Practices: Learning from the experiences and successes of other universities will enable us to adopt and implement effective sustainability practices. C) Visibility and Reputation: Participation in this summit demonstrates our commitment to addressing climate issues and equity, enhancing our reputation as an institution dedicated to making a positive impact on society.