The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) has named Dr. Elena Irwin, director of Ohio State’s Sustainability Institute and Distinguished University Professor, as the next dean of the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management. Her last day at Ohio State will be August 21.
We celebrate this exciting next step in Elena’s career and express our deep appreciation on her extraordinary impact during her 28 years with the university.
A transformative leader for sustainability at Ohio State
Since co-founding the Sustainability Institute in 2019 along with former executive director Kate Batter, Elena has been instrumental in building a vibrant, interdisciplinary sustainability community. Under her leadership, the institute has grown to almost 400 affiliated faculty and has helped secure over $90 million in external funding to support research and education initiatives.
Elena highlighted the dedication of faculty, staff and partners who have contributed to the success of the Sustainability Institute, noting the strong foundation and continued momentum of the institute’s work. “One of the joys of my work at Ohio State has been building bridges across disciplines,” she said. “Sustainability is the ideal field to bring together people from different areas of scholarship and expertise.”
Her commitment to collaboration has brought together faculty, staff and students from across colleges to address complex environmental and sustainability challenges. From launching new academic programs to supporting “living lab” projects and co-curricular experiences, Elena has helped translate innovative ideas into meaningful impact both on campus and beyond.
“Being a part of the interdisciplinary sustainability community at Ohio State has been my passion and privilege for over a decade,” she shared. “I am so grateful for the many collaborations and successes we’ve had together.”
Lasting contributions across teaching, research and service
Elena’s influence extends across Ohio State’s academic mission. She played a key role in developing the Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability (EEDS) undergraduate major—now a hallmark sustainability degree program that has graduated more than 500 students.
She has also helped advance new interdisciplinary initiatives, including the proposed Master of Energy Sustainability program, working in partnership with faculty and leaders across multiple colleges and the Graduate School.
Nationally, Elena has been a strong advocate for bringing science into practice, serving on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Scientific Advisory Board from 2021 to 2024 and as president-elect of the National Sustainability Society.
Looking ahead
In sharing the news of her appointment, Elena expressed both excitement for the future and gratitude for the people who shaped her time at Ohio State.
Elena is working closely with university leadership to ensure a smooth transition for the Sustainability Institute. Plans are underway to identify the institute’s next director and maintain the strong trajectory she helped establish.
As she prepares to embark on a new challenge, Elena leaves a legacy of collaboration, innovation and impact that will continue to shape sustainability efforts at Ohio State for years to come.
“While I am changing my affiliation and zip code, I am keeping my dedication to our common cause and the many special bonds with colleagues and friends,” she said. “I will miss this amazing Ohio State community.”