Bluegrass and Green Future
A cold February rain draped over the University of Kentucky as students bustled between classes. Despite the overcast sky, Lexington’s flagship university radiated warmth—a hub of intellectual curiosity, environmental stewardship, and impassioned advocacy. True to its commitment to blending scholarship with action, the University of Kentucky (UK) has taken bold steps in sustainability, implementing conservation and efficiency efforts that save $3–5 million annually and reduce emissions by over 50,000 metric tons of CO₂. Through initiatives like centralized energy management strategies, UK continues to lead the charge in responsible energy consumption.
Dr. Kenton Sena
Diego Tovar, Assistant Director of Campus and Civic Engagement for the RCC, arrived on campus, hosted by Dr. Kenton Sena, Lecturer for the Lewis Honors College. Tovar’s visit reflected UK’s ongoing commitment to environmental leadership and deepened the university’s connection with the Rachel Carson Council Campus Network (RCCN) of faculty and student changemakers.
The day began with one-on-one meetings, starting with Emily Sallee, Assistant Director at the Chellgren Center for Undergraduate Excellence, where they strategized ways to encourage UK students to apply for the RCC National Environment Leadership Fellowship (NELF). Their conversation sparked ideas for collaborative connections, ensuring UK students had access to mentorship, funding, and advocacy opportunities through RCCN’s expansive network.
Dr. Lauren Cagle
Tovar, author of eight environmental science fiction books, then met with Dr. Lauren Cagle, Assistant Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies, to explore the power of language in environmental movements. Taking inspiration from Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring, their discussion underscored how writing and rhetoric shape public perception and policy. Over lunch with students, this theme carried forward as they engaged in thought-provoking conversations about environmental policy, advocacy, and Carson’s enduring influence.
University of Kentucky Arboretum
In the afternoon, Tovar braved the misty drizzle for a tour of campus, stopping by Memorial Hall, the renowned William T. Young Library, and the Arboretum—UK’s sprawling 100-acre botanical garden, which serves as a living testament to the state’s rich biodiversity.
Later, Tovar held individual sessions with students interested in the NELF program, offering tailored advice on application tips and professional development. He then gave a talk to the Lewis Honors College for an engaging discussion on the importance of justice-driven environmental policy, emphasizing how students can channel their research and activism into tangible change. The session left students inspired, with many eager to deepen their involvement in RCCN’s initiatives.
As the day came to a close, faculty and students gathered for a dinner filled with animated discussion. By the end of the visit, a strong partnership had been forged, bridging the university with the broader RCCN mission. The Rachel Carson Council is proud to welcome the University of Kentucky as its 75th Campus Network Member.
