Day One – October 22
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson will keynote the AASHE 2025 Conference & Expo on Wednesday, October 22! A leading climate futurist, marine biologist, and bestselling author of What If We Get It Right?, Dr. Johnson is known for her visionary work at the intersection of science, policy, and justice. As co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab and The All We Can Save Project, she is shaping a more hopeful and sustainable future. Her keynote will explore how imagination, equity, and science can guide us toward transformative climate solutions.
Day Two – October 23
Keynote Panel: The Value of Sustainability in Higher Education
Senior sustainability leaders will share how they frame sustainability to communicate impact and return on investment. Their insights will span student success, innovation, operational efficiency, and philanthropy. Panelists include:
- Dedee DeLongpré Johnston, Chief of Staff, Wake Forest University, and founder of its Office of Sustainability.
- Dr. Fiona Wilson, Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Director of the Sustainability Institute, University of New Hampshire.
- Meghna Tare, Chief Sustainability Officer at The University of Texas at Arlington and Chief Sustainability Officer for the Dallas FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Moderated by Shane Stennes, CSO, University of Minnesota
Day Three – October 24
Christopher M. Caldwell
President of the College of Menominee Nation and an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Caldwell is a lifelong advocate for Indigenous sustainability thinking. With a career spanning sustainable forestry, higher education, and Tribal leadership, he brings deep expertise in advancing the Menominee way of life and learning.