Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability

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...

05/15/2026

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!

05/13/2026

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.

04/22/2026

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

04/16/2026

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!

03/27/2026

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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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.

03/20/2026

How do you advance your career while making a real impact on the world?

The Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) program at Virginia Tech is designed for working professionals ready to lead change. Through global experiences, interdisciplinary learning, and a strong professional network, students gain the skills to tackle complex sustainability challenges—without stepping away from their careers.

Read more about how XMNR is transforming careers and communities:

Kathy Hager completed the Executive Master of Natural Resources while working full time, gaining international experience and leadership insight she now brings back to her role in Outreach and International Affairs.

03/19/2026

02/27/2026

What started as a cup of chocolate became a powerful systems lesson. 🍫🌎

During a global study experience in Oaxaca, Mexico with Virginia Tech’s Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR), Zakkiyyah Barron discovered how climate resilience, gender equity, and local value chains intersect in unexpected ways, all through a visit to a small cacao shop.

From rainwater harvesting to urban mobility to coffee and agave systems, the experience reinforced that sustainability lessons often happen beyond the formal agenda.

Explore the full Story Map here:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/74a18f33d27d46c29b2b5bee5ac3133b

02/19/2026

is coming to an end – but there’s still time to jump in! Keep the momentum going by making a gift to give.vt.edu/supportcnre

Virginia Tech College of Natural Resources and Environment