For the Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Doctoral students recently came to UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield from as far away as Germany and Hawaii and many places between to take part in a summer residency for a unique program.

Starting its fifth year, the doctor of education (Ed.D.) in educational sustainability program at UW-Stevens Point focuses on developing strategies for transformative change. The goal is to create a more equitable future that values social, environmental and economic diversity as a part of a resilient system.

The program, which currently enrolls 64 students, is designed for working professionals from various fields. It prepares graduates to be educators and leaders passionate to transform systems of teaching and learning in K-12 schools, communities, business, and higher education.

A four-day residency kicked off at Schmeeckle Reserve in Stevens Point before moving to the Marshfield campus June 23-25.

“We like what Marshfield has to offer, the retreat-like space to focus on learning, sharing, connecting and collaborating,” said Assistant Professor Erin Redman, program director. “By choosing Marshfield, we’re choosing to contribute to the local economy and support the local community. Everything we are doing is local.”

The residency serves as an orientation to the program for first-year students and a capstone symposium experience for students in all subsequent years of the program. Students receive guidance from faculty and staff while participating in various presentations.

Keynote speaker HeilaLotz-Sisitka, a professor from Rhodes University in South Africa, presented virtually on re-imagining learning processes in transformations to sustainability. Jay Shrader, vice president of Community Health and Wellness at Marshfield Clinic Health System, spoke about the significance of sustainability in health care.

The group participated in team-building activities such as a poetry trail and dinosaur-themed escape room through the 99-acre arboretum on the Marshfield campus.

The UWSP Ed.D. in Educational Sustainability enrolls a new cohort each summer, with applicants and admissions occurring in the fall term. Learn more at www.uwsp.edu/eddsustainability.