BOONE—Dr. Richard D. Rheingans will chair the Appalachian State University Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development beginning in July. Rheingans will replace Dr. Sandra Lubarsky, who is retiring after six years with the department.

Rheingans earned his Ph.D. in Forestry and Environmental Studies, his M.A. in International Relations and his B.A. in Political Science, all from Yale University. He comes to Appalachian after several years as an associate professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Environmental and Global Heath and the Center for African Studies at the University of Florida. His research focuses on the interaction between socio-economic factors, the environment and health.

“I am extremely excited about joining the sustainable development department at a university with a long and rich history of commitment to sustainability and sustainable development,” said Rheingans. “We have an incredible, dynamic faculty and passionate students who create endless possibilities. I look forward to working with other departments and colleges to build on this history, and continue to make to Appalachian a unique place to study and foster sustainable development.”

His extensive teaching and research experience includes positions as impact director and visiting researcher at the SHARE Research Consortium at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, as assistant and associate professor at Emory University’s Hubert Department of Global Health and health economist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rheingans was recognized as the University of Florida International Educator of the Year in 2012 and has several active grants funded by organizations including the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rick to the college,” said Glenda Treadaway, dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts. “His expertise in global environmental health and equity, in addition to his infectious energy, will push the department to grow in new and exciting directions over the next several years.”

The Goodnight Family Department of Sustainable Development is housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts. The department offers a B.S. in sustainable development with concentrations in agroecology and sustainable agriculture; community, regional and global development; and environmental studies, as well as a B.A. and a minor in sustainable development.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

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