Reflections from Mark Kelly
What if higher education became a space where people could actively explore and create more just and sustainable futures? That question sits at the heart of Mark Kelly’s work as head of the ATU Centre for Sustainability at Atlantic Technological University. Through education, collaboration, and community engagement, he works to create opportunities for staff, students, and local communities to learn together and take action on sustainability challenges.
As part of the 2026 AASHE Fellows recognition, Mark shares his thoughts on collaboration, leadership, and the role higher education can play in shaping positive futures.
What are you learning at this stage of your career about sustainability in higher education?
I am learning that collaboration across disciplinary and institutional boundaries is key to moving from embedding to embodying sustainability across the higher education sector.
What motivates you to work towards the advancement of sustainability in higher education?
My motivation lies in the transformative potential of higher education learning with and from staff, students, and local communities. Higher education has the potential to become experimental possibility spaces where we can explore preferable and just futures for all.
If you were speaking to your younger, early-career self, what nugget of wisdom would you share?
To embrace uncertainty and complexity and think about the purpose of your work and how you can support and empower others to take action.
In what ways do you believe higher education sustainability professionals can meet this moment in history?
We need to come together to lead and take action that will empower others to do the same. Sustainability is not a competition—it needs to be a collaborative effort, and higher education has a moral responsibility to act.
What professional achievement or accomplishment are you most proud of?
The establishment of our ESD Academy which aims to support staff, students, and local communities to take action on sustainability and the SDGs.