News

From Amazon Rainforest to Asian Oceans: Paul Stouffer ’21 Named Luce Scholar

Davidson College alum Paul Stouffer ’21 has been named a 2026-2027 Luce Scholar. The Henry Luce Foundation’s highly competitive Luce Scholars Program selects emerging leaders for immersive professional experiences in Asia. Scholars develop a deeper understanding of Asia while building relationships to tackle global challenges. Stouffer majored in Environmental Studies at Davidson. 

Conserving Nature, Predicting Changing Water Patterns

Neve Rauscher ’26, a Davidson College environmental studies major, has been selected as a member of the Watson Foundation’s 58th class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows. A Belk Scholar and Davidson Outdoors leader, she’ll travel the world to see how communities are adapting to the impact of climate change on their water systems.

Two Davidson College Students Awarded Watson Fellowships

The Watson Foundation has named Davidson College seniors Brooke Lackey and Neve Rauscher as fellows in its 58th class of Thomas J. Watson Fellows. Lackey will study sign language and Deaf culture in several countries. Rauscher will explore how communities adapt to climate warming and changing water patterns.

Many Bright Lights: Davidson College Celebrates Spring Convocation

Davidson College celebrated Spring Convocation on April 14, 2026, gathering to spotlight student achievement—from the academic to the athletic to the artistic—and the faculty and staff who support their work. 

Beyond the Green: Lessons from the 2026 Southeastern Student Sustainability Conference

Discover how Davidson College first-year students Yoonjung Chae ’29 and Ameli Kuanysheva ’29 are leading the way in environmental stewardship. From presenting carbon data to building a regional network, learn how Davidson’s Sustainability Office empowers students to tackle global challenges through local action.

My Summer as a Climate Reporting Intern at WFAE

This summer, Stella Mackler '26 chased stories with mic and chunky headphones in hand as an environmental reporting intern at WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR news source. Her internship was made possible by the Sustainability Scholars program at Davidson College. Learn more.

Davidson College Students Measure Hurricane Helene's Impact on North Carolina's Wilderness

When Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024, Environmental Studies Professor Brad Johnson tossed his syllabus so he and his students could study the impact of the historic storm. A year later, Johnson’s students have grown into seasoned researchers and close friends.

Field Work: Students Trace Hurricane Helene's Impact

Davidson College environmental studies students and Professor Brad Johnson conducted fieldwork in Western North Carolina, analyzing landslides and flood impacts from Hurricane Helene and offering real-time insights into the region's geomorphic changes.

RCC Action Day: 4 Davidson Students Promote Sustainability on the Hill

An environmental studies major at Davidson College shares her firsthand experience lobbying Congress on behalf of the Rachel Carson Council, exposing the environmental dangers of the biomass industry and encouraging student activism on climate issues.

Spring Convocation Celebrates Innovation, Leadership, Excellence, Community

Davidson College celebrated Spring Convocation on April 17, 2025, highlighting academic, athletic and artistic achievements, as well as leadership, character and community service.

Davidson College Named Top Fulbright Producer—Again

For the 10th consecutive year, the U.S. State Department has named Davidson College a top producer for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The nation’s flagship international exchange program funds teaching, research and study abroad. 

My Summer as a Sustainability Scholar at Trane Technologies

Jingyan Chi ’26 shares insights from his summer as a Sustainability Scholar working at Trane Technologies where he studied embodied carbon reduction and gained valuable professional experience.

Gracie Ghartey-Tagoe ’18 on Timeless Connections and a Lifelong Commitment to Service

Gracie Ghartey-Tagoe '18 shares how Davidson College connections shaped her journey from environmental studies major to Wells Fargo, The Home Depot, and now Dartmouth's MBA program, while giving back through young alumni leadership and mentorship.

NPR: Professor Johnson Shares Expertise On Landslides Triggered By Helene

Rainfall From Hurricane Helene Could Trigger Landslides in NC Mountain Regions

Hurricane Helene is forecast to dump more than 15 inches of rain in the North Carolina mountains, drastically increasing the risk of landslides. Davidson College Professor Brad Johnson, who studies landslides and erosion, discusses the threat posed by Helene. Read more.

Tea, Trees, and Türkiye: A Research Trip Abroad

Katieanne Peterson ’24 and Noah Landau ’25, students in Davidson College’s environmental studies department, reflect on their winter break trip to Turkey to study wildfires and their cultural and environmental impact.

Congratulations to the 2024 Davidson College Retirees

Davidson College will honor retirees this week during a special end-of-year celebration. Here, we congratulate the faculty and staff who have contributed immeasurably to the college community.

Pursuing a Senior Capstone in Studio Art and Digital Screen Media Studies

Recent graduate Claire Begalla ’24 reflects on the work done to complete two senior capstones and the ways her work tapped into all areas of her liberal arts education including anthropology, environmental studies, art, community-building and art history.

Common Ground: A Flourishing Partnership Between Davidson College and the Catawba Nation

Davidson College and the Catawba Nation have entered into a partnership that touches agriculture, art and cultural understanding. Read more.

Seeds of Change: Saplings Grown From Seeds of Trees That Survived Hiroshima Bombing Model Resilience

A partnership between Davidson College and Green Legacy Hiroshima brings Gingko trees to campus that are descendents of trees that survived the bombing of Hiroshima. The saplings represent resilience and will be planted in the center of campus.