Despite the cold and snow, there’s a lot going on at Ohio State right now. Applications and admissions to both the undergraduate and graduate program have been very strong, lots of folks are gearing up to do research in the spring field season, and we are preparing for summer with the assumption we’ll be able to send students on education abroad trips as well as welcome students to Stone Lab for the first time in two summers.  There’s also a lot of activity underway related to updating the general education requirements for the first time in 30 years.  A big change with this revision is the introduction of curriculum in thematic areas of interest that will challenge students to think critically and holistically about contemporary environmental, health, or community issues.  All students will be required to take a sequence of courses related to “Citizenship for a Diverse and Just World.”  We are in the process of developing a course for this theme tentatively titled Citizenship across the Rural-Urban Continuum.  Our hope is that it will allow us to bring together rural and urban students in a structured way to build understanding and appreciation.  We believe such a course can facilitate meaningful and constructive dialogue that can help diverse students discover commonalities and improve problem-solving capabilities.

We’ve also got several faculty searches underway, including a search for a new Director of the School.  After nine years, I’ve decided to step back into the faculty ranks.  Being Director has been the best job I’ve had at Ohio State so far and nine years makes me one of the longest serving directors in the School’s history.  I believe I’ve made a difference, but I believe it’s time to pass the baton on to a new Director who has the energy and ideas to further sustain and enhance our success.  I share this news with you to also ask for your help in spreading the news of this opportunity to professionals who might be qualified and interested in this opportunity.  Application information can be found here, with review of applications beginning on February 28th.  The School is in great shape and it’s a great opportunity!  Your assistance getting the word out there is appreciated.

I’m going to close with what I found to be one of the best student evaluation of instruction comments offered at the end of last semester by a student in Jeremy Brook’s Introduction to Sustainability class.  The student shared: “I truly enjoyed this class and learned a bunch. A bit bummed that I won't get to take it with a lab. I appreciated the contrast between the professors’ content and opinions. There really isn't anything I'd change about the class. Here's something a friend sent that reminded me of you:”

“I’m not bald. I shave my head like this for the environment. It reduces the amount of shampoo that winds up in our lakes. And it makes me more aerodynamic. So that when I’m walking around, I’m burning fewer calories. Which means I don’t have to eat as much. Which saves the Earth’s precious resources. My head’s not like this because I’m going bald or something. If I let it grow out it would look like Justin Bieber’s hair — like a blonde helmet. And then I’d get lots of babes. But I choose to be bald and alone for the planet.”

Always little nuggets of wisdom to be uncovered at Ohio State. 

Best wishes,

Jeff Sharp
Director, School of Environment and Natural Resources