Fostering the RCC Connection
at West Virginia University
Dr. Amy Welsh and Diego Tovar
This fall, Diego Tovar, Assistant Director of Campus and Civic Engagement for the Rachel Carson Campus Network (RCCN), visited West Virginia University (WVU), hosted by Dr. Amy Welsh, Director of the School of Natural Resources and the Environment and Professor of Wildlife and Fisheries Resources. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, WVU stands as a hub of environmental innovation and outreach. The university’s sustainability efforts are reflected in its designation as a Tree Campus USA and Bicycle Friendly University, alongside its wide-ranging academic programs in ecology, forestry, and hydrology that directly tackle environmental challenges.
Tovar’s visit began with classroom sessions across WVU’s expansive campus where he met with students studying fisheries, ecology, and natural resources. In each class, he introduced the Rachel Carson Campus Network’s (RCCN) mission and its flagship National Environmental Leadership Fellowship (NELF), which provides mentorship, a $2,000 stipend, and participation in the 2025 RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (AELI). Tovar emphasized the enduring relevance of Rachel Carson’s work, encouraging students to connect their research to community-driven advocacy and environmental issues.
Framing his presentations with the question, “How can your research extend beyond these walls?” Tovar sparked lively discussions, inspiring students to consider the practical applications of their studies. Later, at a luncheon hosted by Dr. Welsh, Tovar engaged in deeper conversations with students eager to share their project ideas. Over coffee and sandwiches, he offered tailored advice and highlighted how RCCN’s resources could empower their visions, creating a buzz of excitement as students envisioned the broader impact of their work.
WVU Student Center
Later on, he also met with Dr. Nicolas Zegre, Associate Professor of Forest Hydrology, known for his research on watershed dynamics and climate resilience. Their discussion explored opportunities to integrate WVU’s academic expertise with RCCN’s advocacy network, focusing on community-oriented initiatives in West Virginia where environmental concerns are intertwined with regional livelihoods. Additionally, Tovar met with Whitney Glotfelty, Assistant Director for Campus and Community Partnerships, to discuss strategies for strengthening collaboration between RCC Fellows and WVU’s CommUNITY Partner Program. Together, they envisioned a pipeline connecting students with hands-on, local environmental projects, laying the groundwork for more integrated community engagement.
As the day drew to a close, Tovar delivered a guest lecture that attracted students from across disciplines. He highlighted the legacy of Rachel Carson and the transformative power of storytelling in environmental justice. Drawing on personal experiences, Tovar underscored how narratives can drive policy change, leaving students inspired by the idea that their voices and stories could spark a more sustainable future.
By the end of his visit, Tovar had deepened the connection between WVU and the Rachel Carson Campus Network, reinforcing their shared commitment to advocacy, education, and sustainability. The visit energized both parties, setting the stage for new collaborations and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.
