The Rankin College of Business at Southern Arkansas University is hosting the Second Annual SOAR Sustainability Conference on Wednesday, April 19. Southern Aluminum, Southern Arkansas University, and the Rankin College of Business will sponsor the conference.
The conference will include guest speakers and presentations from students representing various studies around campus.
Dr. Jeni Logan, professor of economics at the Rankin College of Business and chair of this year’s conference, said she hopes the event can provide information about the efforts already underway in South Arkansas.
“We want to bring information and spotlight the sustainability efforts already underway here,” said Logan, who, along with the Sustainability Conference Planning Committee, began working on this year’s event last summer. “One of my goals is to involve every college on campus.”
Sustainability is defined as the processes or practices that meet our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. There are four types of sustainability: human, environmental, social, and economic.
Hallie Schoffner, who operates a 2,300-acre farm and is a climate activist, will be the keynote speaker in the morning. Shoffner is the author of a blog that discusses how to “bridge Big Agriculture and Big Climate Action.” Here is her blog link: https://www.farmherhallie.com/blog.
“We’re very excited to have Ms. Schoffner,” said Logan. “She is absolutely fascinating and will be a good fit for the conference and the area.”
The guest speaker at lunch will be Jensyn Hallett of Heifer International. Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty sustainably by supporting and investing alongside local farmers and their communities.
“Jensyn Hallett is a dynamic speaker. She will be speaking on Capital Impact Investing,” said Logan.
Over 50 presenters are scheduled, with some presentations including multiple presenters. Of the total number, almost 20 of those are students at SAU. Students will present posters as part of the sessions.
Students and presenters will submit topics in three main categories. The first is Sustainability Vision and Planning – Looking Ahead, which includes adopting a sustainable thinking mindset and next-generation sustainability strategies.
The second topic category is Sustainability in Practice/Sustainable Operations, which includes managing for sustainability, building a sustainable business, and adopting a sustainable thinking mindset.
The third and final topic, Sustainability in the Professions and Society, includes what sustainability means, social and economic impact, and community outreach efforts.
In addition to giving presentations, students from the Rankin College of Business will also help with the event throughout the day, including members of the Business Student Advisory Council.
Presenters include:
Dr. Ken Green, professor of management at the Rankin College of Business, has researched and written numerous papers on sustainability and will discuss incorporating it into classroom lessons.
Sophia Stephenson, Executive Director of Arkansas Environmental Education Association, will share the benefits of outdoor time in an outdoor classroom setup.
Vivian Graham, K-2 Elementary Art Teacher at East Side Elementary in Magnolia, will share creative ideas for art projects that turn trash into treasure. Included will be a display of student artwork.
For more information about the conference, visit the website at https://web.saumag.edu/business/soar-sustainability/.
