Biology

Ogden College of Science and Engineering is pleased to announce that Dr. Leslie North will serve as the next Chair of the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences (EEAS). Dr. North has served as the Interim Chair for EEAS since 2021 and as of July 1, 2023, officially becomes the first female in the history of the department to be appointed Chair. David Brown, Dean of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering, stated, “Leslie North has proven herself in leadership roles – she has the organization and teambuilding skills needed to help the department function at the highest levels.  According to North, “As a first-generation college student, I barely knew what a university was,” adding that she is now honored “to know I’ve been trusted by my colleagues to guide our unit and help bring our collective departmental goals to fruition.”

Leslie North came to WKU in August 2011 as an Assistant Professor after receiving her Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Science and Policy from the University of South Florida. While at USF, Leslie cultivated expertise in informal karst education and sustainability science, which made WKU an ideal location to start her career given the sustainability focus at WKU and karst prominence across the region.

At WKU, Dr. North has built upon the environmental aspects of EEAS and the strengths of WKU by helping to create and lead student-centered environmental initiatives across the university and the globe. Such initiatives include co-developing and leading a study abroad course to Iceland, supporting colleagues at Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam to examine karst management networks, as well as utilizing mobile eye-tracking technology to develop nature-based tourism sites. Dr. North has also served as Director of the WKU Karst Field Studies program since 2011 and served as a President of the Kentucky Academy of Science in 2018-19.

In 2018, Dr. North became the Director of Sustainability at WKU, through which she directs various programs, including the WKU Food Pantry, and helps facilitate sustainability initiatives across multiple campus sectors. Through collaborative partnerships across campus, Leslie has helped WKU earn three Green Dining certifications, establish a farm-to-campus program, qualify for international sustainability recognition for three consecutive years, and reduce its carbon footprint by nearly 10% quadruple the annual inventory for the WKU Food Pantry.

North is optimistic about her role: “EEAS has an exciting trajectory ahead, and I look forward to helping lead our department as we strive to serve our students, university, and community.”  Brown agreed, saying “I am excited about the trajectory of EEAS and believe it will only get better under Dr. North’s leadership.”