Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability

10/22/2026

🌎 What does it take to bring global learning into the classroom?

In our final VGC Faculty Spotlight, we’re featuring Kathleen “Kathy” Perkins and her experience using Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) to connect Virginia Tech students with students at Glasgow Caledonia University in Scotland.

From redesigning course content to navigating differences between institutions, Kathy shares what goes on behind the scenes of building an international collaboration and what she learned along the way. Her experience also highlights the importance of collaboration and finding ways to make the process easier for faculty interested in bringing global learning into their own courses.

🎥 Hear from Kathy about her COIL experience, the work that goes into creating these partnerships, and the impact global collaboration can have on students.

Interested in getting started with Virtual Global Collaboration? Learn more on the VGC webpage and connect with CETL at [email protected]!

10/22/2026

MNR faculty member Kathy Miller Perkins is helping Virginia Tech students connect across borders through Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), partnering with students at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland.

In the Virginia Tech Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning's Faculty Spotlight, Kathy shares the work behind building international collaborations and how these experiences create meaningful opportunities for students.

👏 We’re proud to highlight great work connecting global perspectives with natural resources education!

09/24/2026

At today’s Career Fair? 🎓🌱

If you’re thinking about taking your career in natural resources, sustainability, conservation or environmental fields to the next level, stop by and learn more about Virginia Tech’s Master of Natural Resources (MNR).

The MNR can help you build advanced knowledge and skills while connecting your interests in natural resources with the career you want to pursue.

📍 CNRE Career Fair — The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center (10am -3pm)

💬 Stop by to learn more about the MNR

Not at the Career Fair? Learn more about the MNR:
https://cligs.vt.edu/virginia-tech-master-of-natural-resources/online-mnr.html

09/11/2026

We’ll be at the Texas A&M University - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Fair!

If you’re an interested in natural resources, conservation, sustainability, or environmental careers, come say hello and learn how a Master of Natural Resources can help you take the next step.

📅 September 29, 2026
📍 MSC 2300 Bethancourt Ballroom
⏰ 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

We’d love to meet you! 👍

Take the next step in your career by exploring the opportunities at jobs.rwfm.tamu.edu.

Thank you to our job board sponsor, Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability (CLiGS) at Virginia Tech. CLiGS advances the natural resources profession by equipping current and future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex environmental challenges. Through the innovative Master of Natural Resources degree, CLiGS connects working professionals to interdisciplinary learning in conservation, sustainability, and resource management.

Don't miss the opportunity to meet with a representative from CLiGS at the AGLS Career Fair on Sept. 29!

08/05/2026

When Lt. Joshua Diaz joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2007, he never imagined that a graduate degree would become a turning point in his career. Nearly two decades later, Diaz credits Virginia Tech’s Online Master of Natural Resources (OMNR) program with helping him rise through the ranks and lead critical offshore energy initiatives.

In Field Notes, the College of Natural Resources and Environment’s 2026 digital magazine, read how CNRE helped Diaz: https://cnre.vt.edu/magazine/issues/spring-2026/from-coast-guard-to-global-sustainability.html

“Without question I would not be where I am today without the foundation I gained at Virginia Tech,” Diaz said.

07/23/2026

We're proud to highlight OMNR professor Heather E. Eves who recently presented at the NACCR Symposium. Her session showcased how real-world, project-based learning prepares the next generation of conservation leaders with the skills and confidence to make an impact from day one!

07/08/2026

🌿 Turning classroom knowledge into community impact!

OMNR student Zach Gardens recently led a citizen science initiative in St. Mary's County, Maryland, encouraging residents to "Become a Biologist for a Day" by documenting local plants and wildlife. It's a great example of how our students apply what they learn to make a difference beyond the classroom.

You can read more about it here:

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — What if a simple walk outdoors could help shape the future of environmental conservation? That’s exactly the idea behind an upcoming citizen science event in St. Mary’s County, where residents are invited to step outside, observe nature and contribute real scientific data th...

06/24/2026

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. 💼🌱

How Virginia Tech’s MNR Program Shaped Lt. Joshua Diaz’s Career.

06/23/2026

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.

05/22/2026

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.

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...