Since earning his PhD at the University of Oregon, Dr. Christensen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to experiential and place-based education. His innovative approach to teaching has led him to develop interdisciplinary field-based courses that engage students in learning from locally distinctive experiences, including watershed restoration, natural history, and facilitating meaningful conversations on refugee resettlement. His scholarly contributions span ecocritical research, creative nonfiction, and poetry that explore the intersectionality of human communities and bioregional identity, with many of his works appearing in esteemed journals and publications.
Dr. Christensen has played a pivotal role in shaping graduate programs focused on environmental studies and sustainability, having served as the founding director of the MS in Environmental Studies and the MS in Resilient and Sustainable Communities at Green Mountain College, as well as the Director of the MS in Environmental Studies and Sustainability at Prescott College. His leadership in these programs has helped create professionally focused curricula that empower students and faculty to engage with environmental challenges on both local and global scales.
The College of Fine and Applied Arts emphasizes a student-first, transdisciplinary approach to learning through experiential education. This commitment fosters a dynamic and interconnected network of scholars and practitioners working collaboratively to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Dr. Christensen’s vision and dedication will undoubtedly strengthen the department’s efforts to cultivate meaningful partnerships and impactful learning experiences within local and global communities.
Title: Chair
Department: Sustainable Development Department
Email address: Email me
Phone: (828) 262-7248