We are pleased to welcome Dr. Laird Christensen as the new Chair of Sustainable Development in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. A respected educator, scholar, and leader in environmental studies, Dr. Christensen brings a wealth of experience and interdisciplinary expertise to the department.
Since earning his PhD at the University of Oregon, Dr. Christensen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to experiential and place-based education. His innovative approach to teaching has led him to develop interdisciplinary field-based courses that engage students in learning from locally distinctive experiences, including watershed restoration, natural history, and facilitating meaningful conversations on refugee resettlement. His scholarly contributions span ecocritical research, creative nonfiction, and poetry that explore the intersectionality of human communities and bioregional identity, with many of his works appearing in esteemed journals and publications.
Dr. Christensen has played a pivotal role in shaping graduate programs focused on environmental studies and sustainability, having served as the founding director of the MS in Environmental Studies and the MS in Resilient and Sustainable Communities at Green Mountain College, as well as the Director of the MS in Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Prescott College. His leadership in these programs has helped create professionally focused curricula that empower students and faculty to engage with environmental challenges on both local and global scales.
The College of Fine and Applied Arts emphasizes a student-first, transdisciplinary approach to learning through experiential education. This commitment fosters a dynamic and interconnected network of scholars and practitioners working collaboratively to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Dr. Christensen’s vision and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen the department’s efforts to cultivate meaningful partnerships and impactful learning experiences within local and global communities.
Interim Dean James Douthit, DMA, states, “I am delighted to welcome Dr. Laird Christensen to Appalachian State University. His career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to environmental education, community engagement, and transformative leadership. Dr. Christensen’s interdisciplinary vision aligns beautifully with our college’s mission to foster innovative, student-centered learning grounded in real-world impact. His presence will not only enrich the Department of Sustainable Development but will also invigorate collaborative opportunities across the college. We are excited to support his work and to learn alongside him as he helps shape the future of sustainability education at App State.”
About the Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development at Appalachian State University prepares students to thoughtfully analyze human development while focusing on the applied practice of pursuing transformative, community-driven development with concentrations in agroecology and sustainable agriculture; community, regional and global development; and environmental studies; a Bachelor of Arts in sustainable development with a concentration in environmental studies; and a minor in sustainable development.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.
Dr. Laird Christensen
Dr. Laird Christensen