The Goodnight Family Sustainable Development (SD) Department recently hosted the 2025 Nepali Academics in America (NACA) Biennial Conference at Appalachian State University, April 11-13. Dr. Dinesh Paudel, a world-renowned Himalaya scholar and Professor in the SD Department, is a founding member of NACA and led the development and planning of the NACA Conference at Appalachian. According to NACA, the independent professional development organization is a "dedicated and collaborative network" of Nepali scholars who aim to "harness the intellectual capital of this diverse group and make meaningful contributions to the personal and professional growth and well-being of Nepalis globally."
This year's NACA Conference theme, “Bridging Boundaries - Mounting Elevations: Navigating the Future through Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration,” highlighted the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the organization. Keynote speakers included Dr. Samrat Upadhyay, Martha C. Kraft Distinguished Professor in the Department of English at Indiana University and Dr. Subhrendu K. Pattanayak, The Oak Foundation Distinguished Professor of Environmental and Energy Policy and Research Professor of Global Health at Duke University. According to NACA Conference organizers, "From the Appalachian to the Himalayan landscapes, societal issues near and far warrant integrated approaches" in order to "ignite innovation and prosperity for a just and sustainable global future." The lively and engaging conference also included presentations and panel discussions, special musical performances by both Nepali and Appalachian musicians, and opportunities for interdisciplinary academic exchanges, networking, and fellowship.
The NACA Conference was made possible with generous support from Acting SD Department Chair, Dr. Ozzie Ostwalt; Kristina Pugh, Senior Event Manager with Appalachian's Conference and Events Services; numerous Appalachian faculty and student volunteers; and NACA sponsors, including the Pamplin College of Business Management at Virginia Tech, the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Oklahoma State University, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's School of Natural Resources, Auburn University's Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts, Boston College's School of Social Work, University of Maryland's School of Public Health, The Ohio State University College of Social Work, and Arizona State University's School of Sustainability, among others.
Pictured are Dr. Dinesh Paudel, Professor, Appalachian State University, and Dr. Gyan Nyaupane, NACA President, and Professor, School of Community Resources and Development, Arizona State University.
Professors Dinesh Paudel and Gyan Nyaupane at NACA Conference
Professors Dinesh Paudel and Gyan Nyaupane at NACA Conference