Building Environmental Leadership in Richmond

In the heart of Virginia’s capital, the University of Richmond sits along the James River, the longest river in the Commonwealth, flowing from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. Like the river itself, the University is shaped by movement, connection, and stewardship, blending sustainability-focused learning and programming with student leadership and a growing commitment to environmental responsibility. Across campus, Richmond is building clear pathways for students to connect academic work with tangible impact in their communities.

James River in Virginia

Through a series of campus conversations, Diego Tovar, Director of Campus and Civic Engagement at the Rachel Carson Council (RCC), connected with University of Richmond staff and students to share opportunities and explore how students can deepen their environmental leadership.

Diego began by meeting with the University of Richmond Career Services office to introduce the National Environmental Leadership Fellowship (NELF) and discuss pathways for student participation. The conversation focused on how Richmond students can translate their academic interests into real-world environmental action and access national opportunities through RCC’s growing Campus Network.

Diego then connected one-on-one with students interested in the fellowship. Together, they discussed how students can use their voice to create tangible change in the environmental field, with conversations rooted in leadership development, storytelling, and the practical steps that turn passion into action.

Later, Diego visited an Introduction to Sustainability course in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Sustainability, where he shared the Rachel Carson Council’s mission and reflected on the ethos and ethic of Rachel Carson. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and awe, not only as a personal relationship with the natural world, but as a force that sustains courage and clarity in environmental work. He concluded by sharing more about the National Environmental Leadership Fellowship and the many ways students and the community can engage with RCC.

By the end of the visit, students were eager to connect learning with leadership, and to ground sustainability in community responsibility and real-world impact. We are proud to welcome the University of Richmond as the 92nd member of the Rachel Carson Campus Network.