- Connect your strengths and passions with the needs of the world
- Learn and practice emerging leadership skills and knowledge
- Implement innovative solutions to achieve social, economic, and ecological wellbeing.
- Develop deep professional relationships with local and global change-makers.
- Create and sustain community, organizational, and personal wellbeing.
- Program Description
The purpose of leadership is creating sustainable wellbeing in ourselves, our workplaces and in our communities through bridging the three divides.*
- The divide between self and our highest potential
How do we become the most effective leader possible and co-create global wellbeing in our organizations and communities?
- The divide between self and others
How do we strengthen relationship with other individuals and groups so that we can have a more equitable and inclusive world?
- The divide between self and nature
How do we create organizational, social, and economic systems that are in harmony with natural systems?
You will learn and apply:
- Tools and frameworks to facilitate systemic community, organizational, and personal change
- New and emerging models of ecological, social, and economic sustainability and wellbeing
- Examples of organizations and communities working toward sustainable wellbeing
- Tools for cross-sector collaboration
The program takes a hands-on, applied approach through the creation and implementation of social innovation projects and initiatives as a central part of each Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership course. You will identify a social innovation project in collaboration with an organizational or community partner, and course instructors. The project can last for one or more terms depending on your interest, needs of the organization or community, and scope of the project.
Students enter the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership program with a wide variety of degrees and professional backgrounds. There is not a prerequisite field of study or professional experience needed to succeed in the program. Courses accommodate traditional students as well as working professionals. Required courses are taken in-person with a cohort of peers. The coursework, including the capstone course, allows you to specialize in your field of interest, such as business, social entrepreneurship, non-profit management, organizational development, education, healthcare public administration, international community development, and more. Contact us to determine a schedule that fits with your personal and professional goals and responsibilities.The intentionally small number of students in each cohort (12-15) allows you to develop deep relationships with community partners, instructors, and fellow students. Students come with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds.
*adapted from the work of The Presencing Institute
- The divide between self and our highest potential
- Program Options
Master of Arts in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership
Students can complete their 33-credit Master’s Degree in as few as 17 months, depending on full or part-time status and course load. The first three courses (12 credits) of the program (SUST 650, SUST 651, and SUST 652) are based on the cohort model where students move through all three classes together. There are an additional three required courses (9 credits), including the capstone course. In addition to these required courses, students take 12 elective credits from a wide range of offerings allowing students to tailor their degree to their area of interest. All course offerings accommodate the schedules of working professionals. See Course Descriptions for details. You are welcome to meet with the program director, Steve Gilchrist, to consider your path to complete a Master's Degree.
Accelerated Master's Pathway
Undergraduate students at Edgewood College have the opportunity to begin a Master of Arts in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership while an undergraduate. The Accelerated Master's Pathway allows students who are juniors or seniors, and who have the consent of their advisor, to take 12 credits (3 courses) of the Sustainability Leadership Master's Program while undergraduates in order to earn a Master of Arts within one year of completing an undergraduate degree. These 12 credits can count as electives for an undergraduate major or minor while fulfilling the first three required courses of the graduate program. The courses are: Sustainable Development Leadership (SUST 650), Ecological Sustainability (SUST 6501), and Social and Economic Sustainability (SUST 652). For more information, contact your undergraduate advisor or Stephan Gilchrist, Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program Director at sgilchrist@edgewood.edu or 608-663-6991.
Graduate Certificate in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership
The Sustainability Leadership Graduate Certificate is ideal for those interested in making an impact in their workplace or community. The certificate allows students to expand their knowledge, leadership skills and network while completing social innovation and sustainability projects related to their area of interest. Students come from a wide range of fields, including nonprofit and corporate management, economic development, education, local government, public health, energy and utilities, regional planning and design, hospitality, religious service, and more. A sequence of 3 classes (SUST 650, SUST 651, SUST 652) is completed in 10 months. See Course Descriptions for details.
Community Fellowship, Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership
Working professionals with significant experience in a particular area of social innovation, leadership, and sustainability can apply for a Community Fellowship in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership. This mutually enriching arrangement lets the Fellow share expertise with other program participants while receiving the framework and support to complete a significant social innovation and sustainability project. The Community Fellowship role combines traditional roles of participants as students and instructors, with more flexible roles of participants as teacher/learners, community partners, mentors and servant-leaders. Community Fellows receive a certificate of completion for participating in the program but do not earn graduate credit. They pay a reduced program cost. Fellows may be sponsored by an organization (e.g., their employer) that in turn benefits from the professional development and community engagement of the Fellow and from recognition as a supporter of sustainability in the larger community. View a detailed Community Fellow in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership 2017-18 description and application (pdf).
MA in Education with a Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Concentration
Educators and schools are an integral part of any sustainable community, and teachers are increasingly looking to incorporate sustainability concepts throughout their curriculum. Edgewood College offers an MA in Education with a concentration in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership to support teachers in their growth as sustainability leaders in their classrooms. Teachers can integrate their projects directly into their lessons, curriculum or larger school- or district-wide initiatives.
- Course Descriptions
Master of Arts in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership
A total of 33 credits is required to complete the Master of Arts in Sustainability Leadership.
Required Courses (21 credits):
- Foundations: Leadership for Social Innovation and Sustainability (SUST 650, 4 credits)
7-day, Immersion course - August 12-18, 2017.
This course provides the foundation for the Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership Program. It creates a community of reflective learners that support each other in becoming effective social entrepreneurs and sustainability change agents. We introduce foundational leadership frameworks and tools such as Theory U, Emotional Intelligence and Diversity, Systems Thinking, Just Sustainabilities, Design Thinking, Collective Impact, Social Entrepreneurship, and several others. We visit with local, national, and global changemakers to learn how they are applying social innovation and sustainability leadership. The course also explores relationships among sustainability, economic development, and social equity. Students begin to explore and identify a social innovation project they wish to implement in SUST 651.
- Ecological Sustainability and Social Innovation (SUST 651, 4 credits)
8 Saturdays in the Fall Semester, 2017
Sept. 9 – Dec. 16, 2017 (9/9, 9/23, 10/7, 10/21, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2, 12/16)
In this course, we use an ecological framework to explore the scientific basis of sustainable systems and the extension of principles of ecology and natural systems design into the realms of organizational change leadership, social science and humanities. We explore systems such as energy, food, water, climate, and concepts such as ecological design, resilience, and restoration. We also analyze key ecological sustainability indicators and reporting frameworks (e.g., ecological and carbon footprints, green building certifications, Global Reporting Initiative, Genuine Progress Indicator). Key related concepts include: ecosystem services, risk perception, precautionary principle, permaculture, biomimicry, deep ecology, integral ecology, indigenous knowledge systems and ecospirituality. We deepen our understanding of leadership tools learned in SUST 650 and introduce new tools such as Integral Facilitation and Johari Window. Prerequisites: SUST 650.
- Social Innovation for Social and Economic Sustainability (SUST 652, 4 credits)
8 Saturdays in the Spring Semester, 2018
Jan. 27 – May 5, 2018 (1/27, 2/10, 2/24, 3/10, 3/24, 4/7, 4/21, 5/5)
In this course, we consider the challenges to organizational and community change presented by global trends and by traditional socioeconomic and public policy models, and we introduce alternative models aimed at meeting these challenges: equity, ecological economics, community development, sustainable development, the sharing economy, social innovation and participatory democracy. We discuss how deeper knowledge of human perception and behavior can help us formulate transformative communication and education strategies and practices. Key concepts include: social capital, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, social equity, urban design, transformational leadership and ecopsychology. Prerequisites: SUST 651.
- Urban Community-based Sustainable Development (SUST 751, 3 credits)
Fall Semester, Wednesdays, 5:30-8:00pm
Practical application of broad-based sustainability principles to the design of infrastructure, neighborhoods, and watersheds in the urban environment. Students and instructors will collaborate with community leaders, from grassroots activists to agency staff and elected officials, in developing and implementing sustainability plans. Depending on their interests, students will have the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in any of the following areas: watershed management; green infrastructure; ecological design; community engagement; placemaking; livability; walkability. Prerequisite: SUST 652 or consent of instructor.
- Innovative Leadership in Community Well-being (SUST 752 3 credits)
Spring Semester 2018, Wednesdays 5:30-8:00pm
How can we best lead change within our organizations and communities to increase sustainability, resilience, health, and happiness? Partnering with local community leaders and organizations, our interdisciplinary group of students and faculty will create a "social innovation lab" that works to build and support collaborations among community members, non-profit organizations, businesses, and government agencies aimed at improving social, environmental, and economic "well-being" for all. Using tools of participatory, transformative leadership (including asset-based community development, collective impact, and crowd-sourcing), we will work toward the achievement of sustainable well-being goals that build social capital; improve public health; prevent violence; increase access to open space, public transport, and healthy foods; encourage social entrepreneurship; promote community economic development; and support community and youth leadership development. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
- Sustainability Leadership Capstone (SUST 759, 3 credits)
SUST 759 A, B and C are all offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer terms (each is worth 1 credit, for a total 3 credits). Students may take A, B and C all in one term or they may take 1 credit per term and complete the 3 credits of SUST 759 over the duration of 3 terms.
In this course, students apply their knowledge and skills of social innovation and sustainability leadership to complete community or organizational projects. Students synthesize relevant theoretical, practical, and technical content, and apply social and organizational change tools in this process. Prerequisites: SUST 652 and consent of instructor.
Elective Courses (12 credits):
Elective credits allow students to tailor their degree to a special area of interest or deepen specific leadership skills and knowledge.
- International Engagement: Sustainable Community Wellbeing (SUST 745, 1-3 credits)
Gain intercultural leadership skills through collaborative, community-based social innovation initiatives in Alto Cayma, Peru. Enhance global understanding of sustainability through hands-on projects that contribute to cultural, social, economic and ecological wellbeing. An optional portion of the trip takes place in the Cusco and Machu Picchu areas where students learn further about cultural preservation and sustainable food systems. Students meet every other week in spring term and spend two weeks in late May/early June in Peru.
- Special Topics (SUST 685, 1-7 credits)
Session A
Introduction to Mindful Leadership (SUST 685 002)
Instructor: Lisa Baker, Ph.D.
Dates: Mondays, September 18-October 23 | 5:30-7:30pm
Credits: 2
Course Description: Learn how mindfulness concepts and practices can help us cultivate our natural abilities to lead with excellence. This course provides a deep exploration of mindfulness practices aimed at cultivating our awareness, focus, authenticity and compassion - qualities that enhance our ability as leaders to create trusting and innovative environments. Participants will explore how to apply these qualities to enhance their professional and personal lives, including creating more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments.
Key Components of the Course:
• Experiential learning - through a variety of in-class and home mindfulness practices; leadership frameworks are integrated during class in an applied, relevant manner.
• No prescriptive guidance – instead, participants practice supporting each other’s work and growth through deep listening, inquiry, and sharing of lived experiences - skills central to mindful leadership.
• Meeting you where you are - participants are offered a range of ways to integrate mindfulness into their lives so that it does not become “one more thing to do;” rather, it’s an opportunity to try new ways of being with and responding to ourselves and each other, even if for a few minutes at a time.
Session B
Developing Youth Community Leaders (SUST 685 003)
Instructor: Roxie Hentz
Dates: Saturdays, October 21 and 28 | 9:00 am-1:00 pm.
Credits: 2
Course Description: See how youth, community and business collide as you learn to guide your students in opening a real classroom business-like venture that solves a social problem or benefits society. Leave the course with ready-to-use detailed lessons, interactive activities and group projects - all of which have been aligned to math, literacy, entrepreneurship and 21st Century standards.
Session C
Participatory Leadership (SUST 685 004)
Instructor: Jeffrey Lewis, Grant Abert, Tina Abert
Dates: Thursdays, October 12- November 2 | 5:30-8:30 pm
Credits: 2
Course Description: The Art of Participatory Leadership is a response to a world that is becoming increasingly complex and diverse, where innovations and solutions are coming not just from one leader or viewpoint, but from a more inclusive field of collective intelligence. The Art of Participatory Leadership offers a complementary approach to the traditional tools of planning, results-based management, monitoring and managing performance. It is an invitation to find new understandings and approaches in the creative tension between chaos and order - just enough chaos to allow the creation of newness with just enough order to guide ideas toward wise action.
This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your own practice of inviting, designing, and leading meaningful conversations in your work and communities that lead to clearer thinking, intelligent solutions and group coherence. Over four sessions, we will practice and explore participatory methodologies such as Circle, World Café, Open Space, Appreciative Inquiry, Powerful Questions and Harvesting. These tools can be applied to your current projects and used to support leadership and learning in your group, community or organization. This introductory course introduces a variety of practices and interactive processes to generate fresh thinking, restore trust and create shared commitment to wiser action.
Come ready to challenge your assumptions, be in deep conversation, and find new practices for creating the change you seek in yourself, your organization, your community and the systems we care about.
Session D
Engaging Emergence: Personal Practices to Learn Forward Together (SUST 685 001)
Instructor: Marion Farrior, Julie Swanson, Kate Heiber-Cobb
Dates: Thursdays, November 2, 9, & 16 | 6:00-9:00 pm
Credits: 1
Course Description: Engaging emergence is about co-creating space for intentional, grounded, and collaborative learning. This course is for wayfinders and edgeworkers. If you want to deepen your work and life moving forward and find yourself at the edges of systems..…this course is for you. We will focus on our inquiry on three emergent practices: Be Curious: Widen the Lens: Change the Story
We will intentionally integrate: Self Care, Reflection, Multiple Ways of Knowing, and Resilience. This course will be holistic and experiential as we practice different techniques for exploring our questions, perspectives, and stories. We will draw upon wisdom from Emergent Strategy (adrienne marie brown), Theory U ( Otto Scharmer), Emotional and Social Intelligence (Daniel Goleman), and Social Permaculture (Looby Macnamara and others). Coursework may involve some readings and reflection questions.
- Ethics (IC 800, 3 credits)
Offered Weekday Evenings or Online
This course examines ethical issues in the practice of professions in public life. Significant issues such as justice, honesty, and respect for persons are examined in study and dialogue as they emerge in human experience. Philosophical and religious perspectives regarding ethics are considered. Prerequisites: None
- Studies in Change (IC 850, 3 credits)
Offered Online or Predominantly Online
This course is designed to develop an understanding of personal, social, and organizational change. Such issues as personal commitment, social conditions, and technological developments are examined as they impact on personal, social and institutional situations. Research strategies provide opportunities to strengthen logical thinking, analysis of evidence and written
Business Electives
- Organizational Development and Behavior (BUS 603, 3 credits)
- Strategic Marketing (BUS 606, 3 credits)
- Business Ethics (BUS 616, 3 credits)
- Intermediate Accounting (BUS 703, 3 credits)
- Intermediate Cost I (BUS 705, 3 credits)
- Investments (BUS 712, 3 credits)
- Financial Planning (BUS 715, 3 credits)
- Market Research (BUS 751, 3 credits)
- Consumer Behavior (BUS 755, 3 credits)
- Quality Improvement Methods (BUS 761, 3 credits)
- Quality as a Business Strategy (BUS 762, 3 credits)
- Health Policy and Law (BUS 785, 3 credits)
- Principles of Health Insurance (BUS 788, 3 credits)
- International Study Tour (BUS 792, 1 credit)
- International Study Tour II (BUS 793, 2 credits)
- Organizational Interventions (PSY 603, 3 credits)
- Adult Learning & Organizational Development (PSY 606, 3 credits)
- Leadership (PSY 619, 3 credits)
- Individual and Team Interventions (PSY 732, 3 credits)
- Organizational Analysis (PSY 735, 3 credits)
- Consulting in Organizations (PSY 801, 3 credits)
Education Electives - Adult Learning & Organizational Development (PSY 606, 3 credits)
- Foundations of Instruction (ED 601, 3 credits)
- Diversity/Culture/Literacy (ED 618, 3 credits)
- Leadership and Organization (ED 620, 3 credits)
Healthcare Electives- Healthcare Systems & Policy (NRS 625, 3 credits)
- Foundations of the Healthcare System (NRS 635, 3 credits)
- Population Health and Health Policy (NRS 810, 3 credits)
- Health Care Service Quality (NRS 820, 3 credits)
Electives from University of Wisconsin Sustainable Management Online Graduate Program
(up to 9 graduate transfer credits can apply from this online UW program or other approved institutions):- Applied Research and the Triple Bottom Line (SMGT 720)
- Policy, Law, and the Ethics of Sustainability (SMGT 730)
- Economics of Sustainability (SMGT 740)
- Geopolitical Systems – Decision Making for Sustainability on the Local, State, and National Level (SMGT 760)
- Supply Chain Management (SMGT 782)
- Sustainable Water Management (SMGT 784)
- Waste Management and Resource Recovery (SMGT 785)
- Foundations: Leadership for Social Innovation and Sustainability (SUST 650, 4 credits)
- Careers
A Growing Field
The demand is only growing for people who understand sustainability and its complexities, have the knowledge and skills to approach systemic challenges, and are able to utilize a variety of processes bringing together multiple stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.
The leaders of the new, sustainable economy, are not using traditional top-down leadership techniques. To bring about change, today’s leaders must be able to reframe limiting ideas, and empower others through collaborative innovation.
Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership students are learning by leading innovative projects, so by the time they graduate, they not only have the knowledge and skills to pursue their professional goals, they have “real-world” experience and a network of colleagues to propel them in their careers. The career options for Sustainability Leaders are numerous, and job titles such as Chief Sustainability Officer, Collective Impact Officer, and Zero-Waste Manager are among the sustainability jobs of the future.
Careers in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership
A graduate degree in Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership prepares you for rewarding work in a variety of fields in the non-profit, government, and corporate sectors. Program alumni are working as sustainability project managers and coordinators, program directors, energy analysts, and educators. From agriculture to urban planning and from public health to public office, there isn’t an industry that doesn’t recognize the importance of sustainability.
Be sure to like our Facebook page where we post jobs. Also, Edgewood College’s career services helps students throughout the job search process.
There are many opportunities to research potential careers for sustainability leaders, but below is a list of links to some of the opportunities:
Corporate Sustainability - Corporate Social Responsibility
- Just Means
- Ethical Performance
- Green Biz
- TreeHugger
- Bright Green Talent
- Stop Do Do
- The Grassroots Jobsource
- Net Impact (corporate and nonprofit)
Volunteer Opportunities
Articles Outlining the Demand for Sustainability Professionals
Nonprofit Jobs
- Non Profit Oyster
- Bridgestar
- Teach for America
- Idealist
- Dev Net Jobs
- Chronicle of Philanthropy
- Council on Foundations
- Volunteering & Non-Profit Careers
- Public Service Careers
Water, Energy & Food Sustainability Jobs
Sustainability Blogs and eNewsletters
- Tuition and Financial Aid
The annual cost of attending the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership (SISL) graduate program will vary among students based on the number of credits taken per semester. In addition, the total program cost of earning a Master of Arts in the program will depend upon chosen electives and transferred credits. If you compare the cost of an Edgewood College graduate degree with other institutions in the region, both public and private, you’ll find Edgewood College is in the middle of the range. As you consider the costs of programs offered by various institutions, be sure to factor in course fees, books, and other miscellaneous costs that may not be included in per credit tuition.
Tuition and Fees for 2017-18
Master of Arts Degree, 33 credits $930/credit + applicable course fees
Graduate Certificate, 12 credits (600-series) $930/credit + applicable course fees
Master’s Degree Total (including tuition, books, and course fees): $32,540
Graduate Certificate Total (including tuition, books and course fees): $12,710
Sample Course and Payment SchedulesAs a guide in planning how you will schedule and finance your education, view the links to the following resources:
- Cost By Course
- Sample Schedule for Master of Arts, Full-Time
- Sample Schedule for Master of Arts, Part-Time
- Schedule for Graduate Certificate
- Sample Schedule for Accelerated Master’s Pathway (for Edgewood College undergraduate students)
Learn more about our tuition payment plans. In addition, SISL Program Director Steve Gilchrist can work with you to create a course schedule that fits your needs.
Understanding Course FeesCourse fees vary per course. Some course fees are an average cost for required books, while other courses meet for full days and include the cost of lunches, snacks and field trips in addition to the books and materials. The SUST 650 course includes 2 nights of lodging. If you have any questions about course fees, contact the program director.
Additional Benefits
- A Madison Metro bus pass for $10/semester for the duration of the program
- Membership in Sustain Dane's Sustainable Business Network
- Membership in LinkedIn's Sustainability Leadership Network where program alumni, faculty, and community partners post discussion topics and job opportunities
Financial Aid
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Learn more about Stafford Loans, including eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Graduate Student Financial Aid
Our admissions and financial aid counselors have worked with thousands of students who have questioned how they could afford to complete their graduate education. They will use their experience to suggest creative solutions for financing your education. We extend tuition discounts to various corporate partners in the region, offer a couple payment plan options, monthly and employer reimbursement, and work with veterans to maximize their available aid.
ScholarshipsThe Edgewood College Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership (SISL) Graduate Program offers a limited number of scholarships for Master of Arts and Certificate students. A scholarship application is required.
Download a Scholarship Application
Scholarship Deadlines: May 15Please note that scholarships are reviewed only if all application materials are submitted, and until available scholarship funds are awarded. Applicants will receive a response with their award within 3 weeks of the application deadline.
Opportunity for SBN Members! In collaboration with Sustain Dane, up to two $2,000 scholarships are being offered for Sustainable Business Network (SBN) members. If you are interested in applying for the SBN scholarship, please indicate this on the scholarship application.
Contact Steve Gilchrist at sgilchrist@edgewood.edu, (608) 663-6991 for more information.
- How To Apply
- Admission to the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program is determined by an assessment of the candidate's academic qualifications, work experience and interest in the field. Class sizes are small and cohorts are limited to 20 students. Applications are reviewed as they are received, so it is advisable to apply early.
Joann Eastman is the admissions coordinator for the program, and can help with any questions you have about the application process. Contact her at jeastman@edgewood.edu or (608)663-3250.
Key Dates
We are now accepting program applications for the next cohort.
Scholarship Applications: To apply for a scholarship, fill out a Scholarship Application and submit it with your application materials by May 15.
Classes begin: August 2017
Application Requirements
- Transcripts
Students seeking the Master's degree must provide official transcripts for ALL undergraduate and graduate academic credits received from United States regionally accredited or equivalent post-secondary institutions.
Students seeking the graduate Certificate need only provide official transcripts demonstrating completion of a bachelor’s degree at an accredited post-secondary institution.
Transcripts should be sent to:
Edgewood College Graduate and Professional Studies
1255 Deming Way.
Madison, WI 53717
- Graduate application (with $30 fee). You can fill out an online
application.
- Admission interview. Schedule your interview with Program Director Steve Gilchrist sgilchrist@edgewood.edu or (608)663-6991. The interview may be done in person or over the telephone. This may be done prior to submitting an application, and is a great way to ask questions about the program.
- Essay. In 2-3 pages address the questions: 1) What do you bring to the Sustainability Leadership Program? 2) What do you hope to take from it? Include your full name, email and telephone number on your essay and submit as an attachment to gps@edgewood.edu.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a college or university professor, supervisor, and/or professional colleague who can speak to your potential for success in the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership program. Letter of Recommendation Guidelines
Community Fellowship Application Requirements
Requirements include: Program Application, Admission Interview, and Essay (see PDF linked below for essay instructions).
Working professionals with significant experience in a particular area of social innovation and sustainability can apply for a Community Fellowship. This mutually enriching arrangement lets the Fellow share expertise with other program participants while receiving the framework and support to complete a significant social innovation and sustainability project. Community Fellows receive a certificate of completion for participating in the program but do not earn graduate credit since they audit the courses at a reduced program cost. View a detailed Community Fellow in Social Innovation and Sustainability Leadership description and application (pdf).In compliance with federal regulation, Edgewood College must disclose certain data regarding non- degree academic certificate programs, including program cost, time required to complete the certificate program, and certain employment information for those completing the program.
- Tuition and Financial Aid (found above)
- Schedule and Course Information (found above)
- Right To Know
- Gainful Employment Disclosure
- Transcripts
- Students and Alumni
Students
Program participants represent a wide variety of fields: non-profit, government, and corporate management; economic development, planning and design; education; facilities management; public health; and energy and utilities. Students enter the program at various stages of their careers. Some students have recently completed their undergraduate degrees and are looking for the skills, connections and project-based learning that will propel them into their careers. Others are already in their chosen careers, and are looking for the knowledge and skills to enhance the work they are doing by launching or furthering the sustainability efforts of their current organization. Some students are making a career change, looking to align their work with their values and passion for leading change in their communities and organizations.
2016 Cohort
Alumni
Our alumni are making a difference in the many complex sustainability challenges facing our world today including climate change, energy policy, green building, urban development, equity, land use and water quality, biodiversity protection, food security and public health. They work for a wide range of organizations including: American Family Insurance, Boys & Girls Club, Community Groundworks, Environmental Leadership Program, GDS Associates Engineers & Consultants, Group Health Cooperative, Lincoln Elementary School, Madison Gas & Electric, Sustain Dane, Trek Bicycle Corporation, UW Health, and Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Spotlight
Sustainability Leadership in Education
![Alumni-Josie-Guiney-Igielski[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/alumni-josie-guiney-igielski-1.jpg?sfvrsn=f705e08e_0 "Alumni-Josie-Guiney-Igielski[1]")
Josie Guiney Igielski, ’11 recently won the 2014 Milken Educator Award, receiving national recognition for her “Outdoor Learning Lab,” a project she started as a student in the Sustainability Leadership program. Josie, a Lincoln Elementary School fourth-grade teacher, envisioned “a way to incorporate nature, wellness and sustainability into the curriculum . . . The result of her vision and leadership is the outdoor learning lab—a neighborhood space adjacent to the school consisting of a wellness path with fitness stations, school and community garden, and an outdoor pavilion outfitted to facilitate outdoor learning.” Read an article and watch the video here.Sustainability Leadership in Business
![Alumni-Elizabeth-Churchill[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/alumni-elizabeth-churchill-1.jpg?sfvrsn=1204e08e_0 "Alumni-Elizabeth-Churchill[1]")
Elizabeth Churchill ’11 Community Fellow. Beth is the Sustainability Coordinator for American Family Insurance. Beth’s professional roots are in sustainability in the built environment, having served as Senior Consultant in Sustainability for Cogdell Spencer ERDMAN, a full service strategy, design and developer of healthcare facilities nationwide. Previously, Beth was the Director of the Environmental Forum for Design Workshop, an award winning urban planning firm. Beth received her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture in Business and Industry from UW Madison. She is a LEED Accredited Professional, an Evidenced-Based Design Accredited Professional, and a WasteCap Resource Solutions Construction Waste Diversion Accredited Professional and Trainer.Sustainability Leadership in Food Systems
![Alumni-Garrett-Peterson[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/alumni-garrett-peterson-1.jpg?sfvrsn=2d04e08e_0 "Alumni-Garrett-Peterson[1]")
Garrett Peterson ’12 Garrett works for Community Groundworks - Troy Community Farm as the Assistant Farm Manager. In this role, he manages an urban Community Supported Agriculture Farm committed to organic food for local tables, to cultivating a diverse learning community, and nurturing meaningful relationships between people and the land.Sustainability Leadership in Non-Profit Management
![Alumni-Will-Green[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/alumni-will-green-1.jpg?sfvrsn=4c04e08e_0 "Alumni-Will-Green[1]")
Will Green ‘12 is the Community Center Director at Darbo Salvation Army. Will is also the founder of Mentoring Positives Inc., a mentoring program working with at-risk youth in the community. Will's deep passion is mentoring underserved or underprivileged youth and families in Madison's most challenged neighborhoods, and engaging low income minority residents in sustainability practices.Sustainability Leadership in Government
![Alumni-Rex-Loker[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/alumni-rex-loker-1.jpg?sfvrsn=6c04e08e_0 "Alumni-Rex-Loker[1]")
Rex Loker ’11 Community Fellow. With a humanities undergraduate and Masters of Architecture degree, Rex’s interest in sustainability was born in the passive solar movement and developed into a personal and professional value. He has worked for private practice and for government organizations, and is currently a project manager for the State of Wisconsin, with a specialization in its Sustainable Facilities Standards.- Faculty, Staff and Advisors
The Team
Stephan Gilchrist, EdD
Director and Faculty
sgilchrist@edgewood.edu
(608) 663-6991Stephan Hiroshi Gilchrist’s professional career has spanned sustainable forestry, international business, civic engagement and higher education. He came to Edgewood College from the University of Wisconsin-Extension, where he was the director of the Center for Inclusive and Engaged Leadership, and founder of the Leadership for a Better World Global Summit. Prior to his work with the Center, Steve was the Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Diversity Officer for the University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension, and has taught courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon and at Wells College in Aurora, New York. He holds a B.A. in international business, M.S. in environmental education, M.A. in conflict resolution, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership.
J. Ashleigh Ross, PhD
Faculty
aross@edgewood.edu
608-663-6921
Ashleigh's personal and professional focus is on social and environmental justice and community-based learning. Specifically, Ashleigh has worked with the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans on a community-led wetland restoration program and continues to support the sustainable recovery of New Orleans. Ashleigh has a strong background in community gardens and sustainable agriculture and partners with Madison-area programs to build community through school and educational gardens. Ashleigh Ross has a PhD in Environmental Studies from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the UW-Madison.
Carrie Vanderford Sanders, MCP
Faculty
csanders@edgewood.edu
608-663-6921Carrie teaches on topics of economic and social sustainability and social innovation. She is the founder of Hope Community Capital, focusing on the development of sustainable, equitable and thriving communities. Carrie’s experience includes raising and deploying diverse community development finance sources for projects throughout the nation. Carrie is also the Director of Community and Economic Development at Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership, where she is coordinating the launch of a social enterprise, the African American Emerging Entrepreneur Loan Fund. She has worked as an urban planning and finance lead; as a senior consultant in real estate transaction work for a global consulting and accounting firm, Baker Tilly; and as the VP of Lending for a statewide community loan fund. Carrie has a master’s degree in City Planning from MIT.
![JimLorman[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/jimlorman-1.jpg?sfvrsn=c401e08e_0 "JimLorman[1]")
Jim Lorman, PhD
Professor and Community Partnership Specialist
lorman@edgewood.edu
(608) 663-6921Jim Lorman has taught science and integrative studies at Edgewood College for 31 years and is a recipient of the Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award. He has broad expertise in regenerative ecological and social systems, with particular focus on watersheds, community resilience, and participatory process. Jim was a Fellow in the Kellogg National Fellowship Program and continues his commitment to leadership through the Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance and a wide variety of organizations and committees. Know Your Madisonian: Jim Lorman turns passion for lakes into action (Wisconsin State Journal, June 28, 2012)
Monica Hairston O'Connell, Ph.D
Program Coordinator
moconnell@edgewood.edu
(608) 663-3440Monica Hairston O’Connell, Ph.D., has spent a broad-ranging career exploring access and equity as essential to arts, organizational, and cultural sustainability. She served as executive director of the Center for Black Music Research at Columbia College Chicago from 2007-2015. Before joining the CBMR, she worked with the American Music Center and with David Bury and Associates, a New York firm specializing in fundraising and development for arts organizations. O’Connell’s research has been published in the Black Music Research Journal, Women & Music, Chamber Music America Magazine, and the anthology Big Ears: Listening for Gender in Jazz Studies and includes “Forty Years of Fellowships: A Study of Orchestra’s Efforts to Include African American and Latino Musicians” co-authored with Nick Rabkin, on behalf of the League of American Orchestras. O’Connell has been a John Nicholas Brown Center for the Public Humanities and Cultural Heritage Fellow and a Chicago Community Trust Fellow. She is the Founder/CEO of Whistling Girl Consulting and of Curtis & Cake, a small-batch bakery and confectionary that centers Southern foodways.
Community Faculty
Lisa Baker, PhD
As a psychologist, consultant, and mindfulness teacher, Dr. Baker works with individuals and organizations addressing leadership development and processes that promote and support wellness, excellence, innovation, and sustainability across work and non-work settings and sectors. Dr. Baker owns a consultation and private practice in Madison, Lisa Baker, PhD, LLC. As a consultant, she has given trainings for organizations including YWCA, CUNA Mutual Group, WI State Public Defenders, WI Department of Workforce Development, and Sustain Dane. Additionally, Dr. Baker is an instructor in the Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program at Edgewood College, where she has trained groups of leaders from a wide range of work settings/sectors. On a national level, Dr. Baker serves as Co-Chair for the Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Advisory Committee for the Center for Mindfulness, UMass, Worchester, MA.
Amy Gannon, PhD
Amy is an Assistant Professor in the School of Business at Edgewood College. She teaches courses on entrepreneurship and organizational behavior. Amy is also the Co-founder of the Doyenne Group, a Madison-based organization dedicated to expanding women’s entrepreneurship in the region. Amy’s research explores the venture creation process, in particular how people’s different identities shape their experience becoming an entrepreneur. She coaches new and aspiring entrepreneurs as they found and grow their ventures. Amy has BA in International Studies and Economics from The American University, a MBA from Boston College, and a Doctorate of Business Administration in Organizational Behavior from Boston University. Prior to becoming educator, she worked in government, non-profit and private sector organizations.
Roxie Hentz, PhD
Roxie is the founder and CEO of CEO’s of Tomorrow, offering engaging and hands-on social entrepreneurship education workshops and courses for young innovators and problem solvers who are inspired to shape and influence their world. Roxie has over 25 years of experience in the education field, including service as a state education consultant, culturally responsive teacher leader, district-wide teacher mentor, university teacher-in-residence, adjunct professor, and classroom teacher. For 17 years, she served as the Founding Executive Director of a non-profit organization offering empowering youth programs including financial literacy, job-readiness skills and entrepreneurship. Roxie earned a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in business administration, and a doctorate degree in leadership for the advancement of learning and service.
![Mucha-Michael[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/mucha-michael-1.jpg?sfvrsn=7a6aef8e_0 "Mucha-Michael[1]")
Michael Mucha, MPA
Michael is the Chief Engineer and Director of the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, a regional wastewater utility committed to clean water and resource recovery in the Dane County Wisconsin area. He also is a faculty member of The Evergreen State College where he teaches Sustainable Leadership and Decision Making for MPA candidates. Michael has a BS in Civil/Structural Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, and an Executive Leadership Development Certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.Guest Instructors
In addition to Edgewood faculty, many community leaders regularly join our classes to share their experiences and perspectives. Frequent guests include:
Anne Forbes
Owner of Partners in Place, LLC
Darin Harris
Consultant and Facilitator with UW-Madison Office of Quality Improvement; President of JUSTUS Facilitation and Consulting
Barb Hummel
Consultant at Hummel Consulting
Parker Palmer
Founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal; author, educator and activist
Kshinte Brathwaite
Director of Programs at the Goodman Community Center and co-developer of UW-Extension's 2014 Better World SummitAdvisory Board
Our advisory board consists of distinguished local social innovators and sustainability leaders.
Grant Abert directs the Kailo Fund, a Wisconsin-based investment and philanthropic fund working to address social issues and opportunities through investments, philanthropy and entrepreneurial engagement. An active philanthropist for 30 years, he co-founded the Wisconsin Community Fund, Sustain Dane, and Slow Money Wisconsin. 
Sara Alvarado owns Alvarado Real Estate Group, a boutique Residential Real Estate firm with her husband, Carlos. Sara is passionate about healthy homes, strong, vibrant neighborhoods, and sustainable living. She is active and engaged in public education and innovative learning, and is a named Founder of Madison's Nuestro Mundo Community School and Badger Rock Middle School. 
Jim Bradley is a life-long resident of Madison and a graduate of UW-Madison. Jim joined Home Savings Bank after graduation and was named president in 1985. Home Savings Bank is a $125 million community bank serving Dane County. The Bank has a long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. In 1977 the bank opened the first active solar bank office in Wisconsin, located in Stoughton. In May 2006 the bank opened the first LEED Silver bank office in Wisconsin at 3762 East Washington Avenue, Madison. 
Elizabeth Churchill is a seasoned sustainability strategy consultant. She currently serves as Workplace Sustainability Specialist for American Family Insurance, and she previously founded the business of sustainability strategy for Erdman Company. She was a Community Fellow in the first Sustainability Leadership cohort. 
Kristine A. Euclide, Vice President and General Counsel at Madison Gas and Electric Company, has long been actively involved with numerous local and state environmental organizations. She serves on the WDNR's Green Tier Advisors Group. MGE is the first and only Wisconsin utility to be accepted as a Tier 2 participant in the Green Tier program. Kristine and her husband, long-time supporters of energy efficiency, renewables and protecting natural resources, received national, state and local recognition in the late 1970's for building one of Wisconsin's first solar-heated, highly energy efficient-homes. 
John Imes, a former Chairman of the Board and co-founder of Wisconsin Environmental Initiative, joined the organization as Executive Director in 1998. John has over 20 years of experience creating and managing award-winning programs and is recognized as a leader and spokesperson on ways to improve Wisconsin’s environment and economy. John is also co-owner of Arbor House, an award-winning inn and model for sustainable tourism located in Madison, Wisconsin. 
Jessie Lerner is the Executive Director of Sustain Dane. From 2007-2013 she developed and managed the nationally recognized MPower Champion Program, working with Madison area businesses to turn sustainable intention into action. She previously worked as an educator at the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, and in program development and environmental education at the Kigio Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. 
D. Michael Mucha serves as the Chief Engineer and Director for the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District. He has dedicated his 25-year career to working on sustainability issues in local government. 
Will Green, originally from Gary, Indiana, is the founder of Mentoring Positives Inc., a mentoring program working with at-risk youth in the community.MP, which Will created ten years ago, creates meaningful positive relationships that build on young people's positive assets to develop successful, productive citizens -- now and in the future. Through Will's guidance, MP uses urban agriculture as a platform to engage low income minority residents in sustainability practices. Will's deep passion is mentoring underserved/underprivileged youth and families in Madison's most challenged neighborhoods. 
Kelly Hilyard has worked in the green building industry in Madison for the past seven years, first as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) consultant with Madison Environmental Group, INC., and most recently as a freelance sustainability consultant. She has managed 14 LEED building projects in Wisconsin including the Edgewood College STREAM building. Before moving to Madison, Kelly spent eight years as an organic farmer in northern California and Texas and received her Master's degree in landscape architecture from University of Texas-Austin.
- Program Initiatives
Students in the Social Innovation & Sustainability Leadership Graduate Program become part of a network of professional colleagues. The program’s project-based approach and integration of regional sustainability experts into the classes, either as guest instructors or through class field trips, builds breadth of knowledge, as well as social capital. Students have the opportunity to connect with many of our partners while in the program, and we can facilitate further connections based on student interest. Visit some of our partner organizations’ web sites:
![network_banner[1]](/images/default-source/sustainability-leadership/network_banner-1.jpg?sfvrsn=c304e08e_0 "network_banner[1]")
- Continuing Education
Continuing Education
The drive towards social innovation and sustainability leadership can emerge from within a range of professional and personal contexts and according to individual timelines. Are you ready to hone your leadership skills or bring a new level of focus to your team around today’s complex challenges? In collaboration with Edgewood College and leading-edge partner organizations, SISL faculty and instructors have designed courses to support you in your journey. We welcome alumni, students, friends and community members to explore social innovation and sustainability leadership topics such as mindful leadership, design thinking, participatory leadership, and much more. To learn more about our courses or to register, follow this link.
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