A Dialogue on Sustainability Leadership Judy L. Rogers Professor, Student Affairs in Higher Education Miami University

Definitions Sustainability focuses on the intersections of people, profits and the planet. Sustainability encompasses an ecological perspective that recognizes how everything in our universe is connected to everything else.

The critical questions sustainability scholars explore revolve around what it means for human societies to flourish in the context of ecological limits (Jackson, 2011).

Sustainability Leadership We have to rethink our views on “progress” and we need the right leaders to help us do so (Hooper, 2011). Traditional leadership models are not adequate. Need a new generation of leaders who are longer-term thinkers, who have more vision, who are more persistent, more adaptable and more connected (Immelt, 2011).

Sustainability Leadership qualities: The Cambridge Program for Sustainability Leadership (Courtice, 2011) identified seven defining characteristics evident in the leadership of those who successfully tackle sustainability issues. Systemic interdisciplinary understanding Emotional intelligence and a caring attitude Values orientation that shapes culture A strong vision for making a difference An inclusive style that engenders trust A willingness to innovate and be radical A long term perspective on impacts (pp )

Session Goal The purpose of the dialogue is to explore this model of leadership for sustainability and how and where it is and might be practiced in student affairs/higher education.

Questions to guide the dialogue: What do you think sustainability is? What does sustainability look like in higher education? In student affairs? What are key principles of sustainability leadership? What are the implications of sustainability leadership for student affairs? Is it currently evident in student affairs practice? If so where and how? How can we develop leaders who practice sustainability leadership? What research would assist us in expanding the knowledge and practice of sustainability leadership?

References Courtice, P. (2011). The challenge to business as usual. In A journey of a thousand miles: The state of sustainability leadership 2011 (pp ). University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership. Retrieved from of-Sustainability-Leadership.aspx Gilding, P. (2011). The great disruption.. In A journey of a thousand miles: The state of sustainability leadership 2011 (pp ). University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership. Retrieved from Sustainability-Leadership.aspx Hooper, L. (2011). Developing the leaders of the future. In A journey of a thousand miles: The state of sustainability leadership 2011 (pp ). University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership. Retrieved from of-Sustainability-Leadership.aspx Immelt, J. (2011). Competitiveness in the 21st century. In A journey of a thousand miles: The state of sustainability leadership 2011 (pp ). University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership. Retrieved from of-Sustainability-Leadership.aspx Jackson, T. (2010). Prosperity without growth:Economics for a finite planet.London: earthscan. Wilkinson, R. & Pickett, K. (2010). The spirit level: Why greater equality makes societies stronger. New York: Bloomsbury Press.