UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Penn State Smeal College of Business has named Erik Foley as its director of sustainability. He will continue efforts to position Smeal as a leader in business education and research in the area of sustainability.
Foley also was named the director of learning and development for Penn State Executive Programs, the executive education provider within Smeal. In that role, he will work with partner organizations to integrate sustainability into training for their operations.
“Sustainability is a strategic priority for Smeal,” said Charles H. Whiteman, the college’s John and Becky Surma Dean. “Erik’s appointment signals our continued commitment to this critical area and the potential for Smeal to deepen understanding of the ways in which sustainable business practices shape the world around us.”
Foley brings 20 years of experience in sustainability and 10 years in sustainability-related leadership experience to Smeal. Most recently, he was managing director of Penn State's Sustainability Institute, which works across the institution to promote sustainability in teaching, research, outreach and operations.
In that role, Foley led an effort to incorporate sustainability in the university strategic plan and the plans of every Penn State college and campus. He and his colleagues developed a model that has been shared with more than 30 institutions in North America.
“Sustainability is not just about the environment, it’s about a better way of doing things,” said Foley, who also serves as treasurer and board member of the International Society for Sustainability Professionals and serves on the board of the ClearWater Conservancy, a local land conservation organization. “It’s about cost and risk reduction. When tied to strategy and competitive positioning, sustainability can be a powerful source of innovation, revenue-generation, and long-term value creation.
“I have admired Smeal’s engagement with sustainability since the beginning and am excited to work with the students, staff, faculty, college leadership and external partners to build boldly on the strong foundation of scholarship and student engagement.”
Foley assumes Smeal sustainability responsibilities from Terry Harrison, professor of supply chain and information systems and Earl P. Strong Executive Education Professor in Business. Harrison has agreed to lead Smeal’s efforts in analytics, directing a new certificate program in business analytics and the development of a business analytics option within Penn State’s new master’s of professional studies in data analytics.
“Terry has done superb work furthering Smeal’s sustainability strategy,” said Russell Barton, senior associate dean for research and faculty. “His efforts have positioned Smeal as a sustainability leader among business schools. We are now prepared to go even further with this as a full-time position, providing expanded resources for our students, faculty and staff.”
In his role with Penn State Executive Programs, Foley will develop new sustainability-focused programs for current professionals. With sustainability as an expected competency for professionals and strategy for companies, there is growing interest in online, in-person and customized engagement programs for businesses.
“Working with Erik, Penn State Executive Programs will provide assessments and engagements to help organizations make sustainability an integral part of their strategic and operational success,” said Maria Taylor, managing director of Penn State Executive Programs.
About Sustainability at SmealThe Smeal College of Business is committed to sustainability in education, research, and practice. In 2013, the college's Sustainability Strategic Plan was developed by a college task force and authorized by the dean. Sustainability is infused into courses across the Smeal curriculum, including a two-piece sequence for undergraduates and a concentration in the Penn State Smeal MBA Program. The college also supports faculty research efforts related to business and sustainability, promotes outreach efforts through educational units and research centers, and leads by example in promoting sustainable behavior among current faculty, staff, and students. For more information on sustainability efforts at Smeal, visit www.smeal.psu.edu/sustainability.