New Developments

In October 2006, the Environmental Program was among 40 schools asked to submit a proposal to the Henry Luce

Foundation. Our proposal selected for additional consideration and in December 2006 we submitted a full proposal,

"From Theory to Practice: A Hierarchically Integrated Approach to Interdisciplinary Environmental Education."

We requested $426,000 to implement an interdisciplinary approach to

environmental education where the academic resources of the professional schools of law,

business and environmental health sciences will partner with the undergraduate college.

This approach capitalizes upon Wake Forest University’s status as the smallest major

research university in the United States and its emphasis on intense student-professor

interaction.

Three interdisciplinary courses will be developed. The Theory of Environmental

Policy course will involve faculties from both the undergraduate college and graduate

schools (Public Health Sciences Program of the Wake Forest Medical Center, Wake

Forest Law School and Babcock School of Business Management). A companion course,

Practice of Environmental Policy and Management, will utilize case-study presentations

by government, non-government, and industry professionals. A Capstone Research

course would build upon the environmental policy courses, via assessment and analysis

of an existing environmental problem, accompanied by policy recommendations.

Funding is also requested for a limited number of research fellowships which are critical

in developing the informed passion for environmental assessment and solutions. With

support from the Luce Foundation, the Wake Forest Environmental Program aims to

pioneer a hierarchically integrated approach to environmental education and the training

of environmental professionals.

We anticipate notification about funding from the Luce Foundation in March 2007. If funds are awarded,

the proposed courses would begin in the fall, 2007 semester.