Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability

From the U.S. Coast Guard to a career in sustainability leadership 🌎

Online Master of Natural Resources student Joshua Diaz leveraged the knowledge, skills, and network gained through Virginia Tech’s OMNR program to advance their career and expand their impact.

Their story is a powerful example of how graduate education can help professionals turn passion into purpose. 💼🌱

From Coast Guard to Global Sustainability How Virginia Tech’s MNR Program Shaped Lt. Joshua Diaz’s Career.

Students from Glasgow Caledonian University and Virginia Tech recently came together for an online workshop focused on sustainability as part of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative.

The project connected approximately 70 students from both institutions, creating opportunities for international collaboration and shared learning around sustainability challenges.

The initiative was co-designed by Dr. Dr. Gulen Hashmi of Glasgow Caledonian University and OMNR faculty member Kathy Miller Perkins, Professor of Practice at Virginia Tech.

Congratulations to XMNR alum Ashley McKeon on being named President and CEO of the Soil Health Institute!

We’re proud to see our alumni advancing into leadership roles and making an impact across the natural resources and sustainability fields. Ashley credits the XMNR program for helping prepare her for this next step in her career.

Sustainability Leader Ashley McKeon Selected as Soil Health Institute’s President and CEO - Soil Health Institute Ashley McKeon, a seasoned agriculture and sustainability executive, will lead the Soil Health Institute into its next decade. McKeon, who previously led regenerative agriculture strategy for Cargill in Washington, D.C., will assume the role on June 1, 2026. She will work alongside Founding President...

Congratulations to all our Online Master of Natural Resources students who graduated this year! We loved having the opportunity to celebrate your accomplishments together in Blacksburg!

As part of our Spring recruiting efforts, we were proud to connect with future students, alumni, and environmental leaders at events across the region, including the 36th annual VMI Environment Virginia Symposium, DC Climate Week, Nature Forward’s Naturally Latinos, National Council on Undergraduate Research, and the MANRRS national conference.

Alongside faculty, students, and alumni, these events provided fantastic opportunities to share the impact of our programs, build connections, and engage with professionals shaping the future of sustainability and natural resources.

We'll be in attendance, tomorrow, April 23rd! Come by, say hello, and learn more about a Master of Natural Resources.

Join CLiGS at DC Climate Week starting April 20!

Starting on April 20, Virginia Tech's Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability is joining DC Climate Week (DCCW) for a community-organized week of events, exhibitions, tours, screenings, and gatherings across Washington, DC. Together, we will explore the challenges of the climate crisis and discover the solutions that give us hope.

You’ll find VT CLiGS participating as an exhibitor at the following events during DC Climate Week:

Mon April 20 - DCCW Opening Ceremony
Tues April 21 - DCCW Leadership Forum
Thurs April 23 - Virginia Tech DC Area Open House

Other events featuring Virginia Tech and alumni include the following:

Tues April 21 - Green Building Tour of Virginia Tech in the D.C. Area's Academic Building One with SmithGroup where the Executive Master of Natural Resources class weekends are held

Wed April 22 - Collective Refuturing Workshop co-hosted by VT Executive Master of Natural Resources alumna Kate Leftin

DC Metro Area Chapter - Virginia Tech Alumni Association and beyond, whether you’re deep in the work or just getting started, let’s build a community that drives climate action!

Glen van der Molen’s journey with Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Natural Resources program is a full-circle story.

Now serving as Program Coordinator for the Online MNR, he brings experience in higher education, alumni relations, and student engagement to support the next generation of sustainability leaders.

Learn more about his path and impact:
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Meet Glen van der Molen, New Program Coordinator for the Online Master of Natural Resources Virginia Tech’s Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability is excited to welcome the newest member of the Online Master of Natural Resources (OMNR) student advising team, Program Coordinator Glen van der Molen.