On Friday, March 22, the Saint Paul University community gathered to celebrate the launch of the new School of Leadership, Ecology and Equity.
At the heart of the new school lies a commitment to nurturing interdisciplinary perspectives and empowering individuals to enact meaningful change within their communities. Through its innovative curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and research initiatives, the School aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks necessary to navigate the complexities of social inequalities and ecological challenges.
"I am proud to announce the launch of the new School of Leadership, Equity, and Ecology," stated Louis Patrick Leroux, Rector of Saint Paul University. "In a world grappling with the ongoing and anticipated effects of climate change and environmental degradation, this School emphasizes the interconnectedness of social and ecological well-being. Through this lens, the School's programs empower students to be leaders we need for social and ecological transformation."
"Given the social and ecological crises we collectively face, the School of Leadership, Ecology and Equity is committed to critically understanding the conditions that enable individuals and communities to thrive," shared the Schools's co-Directors, Lauren Michelle Levesque and Michaël Séguin. "While we teach ecological knowledge and leadership skills through innovative scholarship and practice-based learning, as co-directors of the School, we also want to instill hope: the hope that our students can and will make a difference. That is why we are so excited to officially launch the School and its new programs!"
To begin, the School offers two graduate level programs that are available in French and English. These programs are the Graduate Diploma in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the Master's in Leadership, Ecology and Equity. They are currently accepting applications for the September 2024 term. The School is currently working to expand its program offerings to include undergraduate programs in the coming years.
Heather Eaton Awarded the Thomas Berry Award
Following the launch celebrations, Dr. Heather Eaton - who is a professor in the School of Leadership, Ecology and Equity - was awarded the Thomas Berry Award. This award was bestowed in recognition of her significant contributions and research on the intersections of ecological responsibility, spirituality, and social justice.
The award, which is sponsored by the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology, was created to honour the legacy of Thomas Berry (1914-2009), a prominent figure in the environmental movement who promoted the importance of ecological consciousness and cultural transformation.
