Wooster announces Brian Webb as new campus sustainability officer

Brian Webb, an innovative sustainability leader and long-time experiential educator, has been named The College of Wooster’s inaugural Director of Campus Sustainability, effective August 1, 2023. 

“We are incredibly excited about the experience, knowledge, sheer enthusiasm, and track record of success Brian brings to this critically important role on Wooster’s campus,” said Wayne Webster, interim president. “He is a proven leader, with the ability to connect across constituencies through unique experiences and insights and help build a shared sense of commitment for environmental stewardship that permeates an institution. He is a recognized leader in the field of sustainability, and I am confident he will lead the coordination of our efforts well.” 

At Wooster, Webb will be charged with developing strategies to embed principles of sustainability into the operation of the College both in its role as a residential campus, a place of learning and research, as well as in service to the broader Wooster community. A top priority of the role will be to champion the oversight, implementation, and adoption of a Campus Sustainability Action Plan, including collaborating with colleagues to perform regular external energy audits, reduce food waste, increase local sourcing and sustainable practices, and find synergies in public services and outreach programs. This position will chair the Campus Sustainability Committee and establish a Renewable Energy Exploratory Committee and related work plan to reach carbon neutrality and serve as an advisor on energy efficient standards for all facilities. 

Webb currently serves as the Director of Sustainability and an Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Houghton University, where he leads the college’s efforts to promote environmental stewardship at an institutional level. His work includes establishing the campus’ Center for Sustainability, planning sustainability events and programs, incorporating sustainability into the curriculum, developing hands-on environmental learning experiences and community service projects, partnering with facilities to reduce energy usage, and coordinating the college’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Under Brian’s leadership, the college has achieved a 32% carbon footprint reduction in just ten years.   

In fall 2020, Brian helped to create a new Environmental Studies academic program, where he currently teaches such creative courses as Global Climate Leadership, Environmental Communication, Environmental Public Policy, and God, Country, and Climate Change. 

Brian also serves as an active leader in the faith-based environmental movement and co-directs the Christian Climate Observers Program, which mentors emerging leaders by bringing them to the annual UN climate conference.  His research area of interest centers around the intersection between climate change policy, environmental communication, and faith communities in the United States and elsewhere. 

“I’m thrilled to be joining the College of Wooster this August in order to help launch Wooster’s sustainability program,” said Webb. “Wooster has a long tradition of modeling excellence in student education and research. This new commitment to creating sustainable solutions to environmental challenges further cements Wooster’s reputation as a leader in innovative higher education.  I am eagerly looking forward to meeting students, working with new colleagues, and building programs and projects to build and enhance Wooster’s engagement with environmental sustainability.” 

Brian brings a diverse academic background to Wooster, with an undergraduate degree in French from Berry College, a master’s degree in Experiential Education from Minnesota State University, and a second master’s degree in Sustainability and Environmental Management from Harvard University Extension School.   

He enjoys engaging students in educational discussions, whether through guest lectures in the classroom, at educational workshops, or even impromptu conversations on the Ultimate Frisbee field. Brian enthusiastically enjoys many outdoor activities, especially mountaineering, hiking, camping, birding, and ultimate frisbee. He loves to travel with his family and has a life goal of climbing the highest peak in all 50 U.S. states.   

Brian comes to Wooster with his wife, Becky, and their three children—Cadie (14), Lilee (12), and Ian (10). 

Posted in News on April 3, 2023.