Cultivating Climate Leadership from
Field to Campus
Dr. Groff with RCC Staff
Nestled along the Potomac River and framed by rolling Appalachian foothills, Shepherd University sits at the intersection of land, learning, and community. With deep roots in environmental stewardship and applied science, Shepherd is uniquely positioned to explore how climate justice, agriculture, and civic engagement intersect. During a recent visit, the Rachel Carson Council saw firsthand how Shepherd’s landscape and students are shaping a new generation of environmental leaders.
Hosted by Dr. Jeff Groff, Professor of Applied Physics in the Department of Natural and Physical Sciences, Diego Tovar, RCC Director of Campus and Civic Engagement, Joy Reeves, RCC Director of Policy and Strategic Development, and Sydney O’Shaughnessy, RCC Director of Communications and Adjunct Professor at Shepherd, spent the day exploring opportunities to deepen collaboration between the Rachel Carson Council and the Shepherd University community.
Dr. Groff explaining aquaponics.
The visit began at Shepherd University’s Tabler Farm, a community staple and laboratory where agriculture, land stewardship, and education converge. Walking the grounds with students and faculty, RCC staff discussed how the Rachel Carson Council’s work across forests and agricultural policy aligns with Shepherd’s farm-based initiatives and experiential learning programs. Conversations focused on building bridges between RCC fellowships, advocacy events, and hands-on land management, offering students pathways to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental action.
Shepherd University.
At the farm, students engaged directly with RCC staff to learn more about collaborative opportunities, including the National Environmental Leadership Fellowship and RCC’s broader advocacy efforts. These discussions highlighted Shepherd students’ strong interest in applied climate work that blends science and community engagement—an approach deeply embedded in the university’s culture.
From the fields, Dr. Groff guided the group to Shepherd’s main campus, where Diego delivered a talk to students focused on environmental advocacy, leadership development, and the role young people play in shaping climate solutions. Joy followed by outlining RCC’s core policy priorities, grounding the conversation in the urgent realities of climate change while emphasizing pathways for meaningful engagement. Together, the discussion became an honest and hopeful exchange about sustaining climate optimism during a time when progress can feel difficult.
By the end of the visit, Shepherd University stood out as a campus where environmental education is rooted in place, practice, and purpose. We are proud to welcome Shepherd University as the 91st member of the Rachel Carson Campus Network.