PAUL SMITHS — In an effort to better explore social and environmental resilience, Paul Smith’s College has partnered with the Resilience Studies Consortium, a nation-wide network of colleges share academic resources.

At Paul Smith’s, the project is being managed by Dr. Craig Milewski and Dr. Joseph Henderson, both professions in the Environment and Society Department. However, the two foresee students and faculty of all areas of study benefiting from the partnership, which is in an early phase.

“Being a member of this consortium offers the opportunity to expand our academic curriculum offerings and to view our environment and natural resource programs through a more encompassing, integrative, and inclusive lens of social and ecological resilience,” said Milewski.

Paul Smith’s role in the RSC is unique in that it fills the role of a rural northeast school. Other members are scattered throughout the country, such as California’s Sonoma State University or Roosevelt University in Chicago. Nine in total comprise the network, which is coordinated by Dr. D. Scott Borden at Western State Colorado University.

This variety will serve as important for students. A student from Paul Smith’s could explore coursework in urban ecology, while one from Chicago could learn about communities or conservation in the unique setting that is the Adirondacks.

The RSC also hosts for-credit courses and an annual retreat for students and faculty. This summer’s is going to be held at The Evergreen State College in Tacoma, Wash., and is entirely grant funded for the groups that will attend, including from Paul Smith’s.

“We have the opportunity to share particular rural lifeways and learn from others,” added Henderson.