Kirsten TurnerSustainability in Focus: Leadership Perspectives is a new mini-series that spotlights the remarkable faculty and staff leaders driving sustainability across our campus and showcases their innovative perspectives. These dedicated individuals are committed to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within our university community. This is the first post in the series, and we are excited to share the perspective and insights of Kirsten Turner, Vice President of Student Success, as we explore the vital role of leadership in advancing sustainability at the University of Kentucky.
At the University of Kentucky, we understand that a meaningful, purposeful life includes a commitment to sustainability — a commitment that can transform communities, inspire innovation, and lead to positive, lasting impacts for future generations. Engaging students in sustainability is not only essential for the future of the Commonwealth but also fundamental to the mission of the Office for Student Success. Our team of professional staff across more than 24 units is dedicated to supporting students on their journey from early college outreach through graduation and beyond.
One example of how the Office for Student Success fosters this commitment is through the Alternative Service Breaks program (ASB), a sponsored student organization. By offering immersive service trips during academic breaks, ASB empowers students to develop sustainability literacy and active citizenship, aligning with UK’s broader goals of holistic student success. These trips incorporate education, hands-on service, and critical reflection, promoting an understanding of sustainability as the intersection of social, economic, and environmental resilience at multiple levels. Past projects have included working with Habitat for Humanity to build sustainable homes in Charlotte, NC, and participating in environmental stewardship and earth literacy education at Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center in Washburn, TN. Each initiative enables students to acquire skills needed to advocate for resilient communities and sustainable practices.
In Spring 2025, ASB will host three service trips including Environmental Sustainability in Memphis, NC; Affordable Housing in Charlotte, NC; and Refugee and Immigrant Resettlement in Atlanta, GA. Faculty and staff interested in serving as advisors, and students interested in participating can find more information on BBNvolved. Through this program, students gain competencies that directly support the University of Kentucky’s vision for student success by promoting a commitment to sustainability and community.
By engaging students in sustainability, the University of Kentucky’s Office for Student Success cultivates a generation of leaders equipped to address the complex challenges of the future. Programs like ASB provide students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that not only enhance their academic and professional development, but also encourage a deep-rooted commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Through Office for Student Success programs and initiatives, students develop critical skills such as collaboration, leadership, and resilience — qualities that are essential for both personal and societal growth. UK’s holistic approach to student success involves supporting students’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and engagement with sustainability nurtures a sense of belonging and purpose.
Ultimately, fostering sustainability aligns with the University of Kentucky’s mission to prepare students for lifelong impact, ensuring that they graduate not only with academic knowledge but with the capacity to drive positive change in an interconnected world. Through these efforts, we build a campus culture that prioritizes both student achievement and the health of our Commonwealth.
