About Us

Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the web site for the Center for the Environment at Catawba College. We invite you to explore our site to learn more about the Center, its mission and its programs.

Since its founding in 1996, the Center has worked to educate students and the public about environmental stewardship and sustainability. It involves students, faculty and staff, and its many partners and volunteers in programs and activities that promote sustainable solutions in the community, the region and beyond. During our short history, we have become increasingly involved in the area in environmental matters and often lend our leadership and our expertise on issues ranging from air and water quality to land preservation and sustainable development.

A hallmark of our program is that we work to set models for others to follow. The sustainable facility that houses the Center, completed in 2000, serves as a model for green building practices. It is an effective teaching tool as well as a nationally recognized example of the sustainable use of the earth's resources. Another program -- our Campaign for Clean Air, which is designed to educate citizens in our region and empower them to take action to address the air quality issues we face, -- will be shared with other counties as well so that, together, we can combat this problem which adversely affects our health, our economy and our quality of life.

Our approach is a combinations of action and education. Through partnerships and the involvement of diverse individuals, we implement programs for the good of our citizens and our environment and then use those programs as models to teach others. While most of our projects have focused on Rowan County, we believe the projects transcend county lines because we educate the community and the region by setting the example right here in Rowan.

Our commitment to educating others about environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable solutions runs deep. We invite your partnership with us in this important mission.

John E. Wear, Jr.

Director

MISSION

To provide education and outreach centered on prevalent environmental challenges and to foster community-oriented sustainable solutions that can serve as a model for programs throughout the country.

HISTORY OF THE CENTER

The Center for the Environment at Catawba College has been deeply involved in our state’s environmental issues since its inception in 1996. We strive to serve as a model to our region, lending our expertise on a wide range of issues – from air and water quality to land preservation and sustainable development. In the process, Catawba students receive a value-added education through involvement in our activities. (Read More)

INITIATIVES

The Center for the Environment is currently involved in several major initiatives: the Campaign for Clean Air, the National Youth Environmental Summit, the Faith, Spirituality and Environmental Stewardship Conference, and the promotion of sustainable practices.

STAFF

To Know More About Staff members (Click Here)