AASHE Conference & Expo 2025 provides the largest stage for sharing effective models, policies, research, collaborations and transformative actions which advance sustainability in higher education.
In addition to the educational opportunities found in the standard conference program, the show offers supplemental opportunities to help maximize attendees time in Minneapolis.
- Experiential Learning Opportunity – An opportunity to leave the conference hotel and explore Minneapolis. The University of Minnesota put together 3 activities, highlighting various elements of campus life and sustainability in Minneapolis, providing inspiration and ideation.
- Workshops – Attendees looking for more hands-on opportunities to hone their skills while in Minneapolis should check out the three pre-conference workshops, designed to go more in-depth than most conference sessions and allow attendees the opportunity to workshop specific areas of their work.
AASHE Conference & Expo 2025 keynotes include:
Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (Day 1)–A leading climate futurist, marine biologist, and bestselling author of What If We Get It Right?, Dr. Johnson is known for her visionary work at the intersection of science, policy, and justice. As co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab and The All We Can Save Project, she is shaping a more hopeful and sustainable future. Her keynote will explore how imagination, equity, and science can guide us toward transformative climate solutions.
Christopher M. Caldwell (Day 3)–President of the College of Menominee Nation and an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Caldwell is a lifelong advocate for Indigenous sustainability thinking. With a career spanning sustainable forestry, higher education, and Tribal leadership, he brings deep expertise in advancing the Menominee way of life and learning.
Keynote Panel: The Value of Sustainability in Higher Education (Day 2) will include senior sustainability leaders sharing how they frame sustainability to communicate impact and return on investment. Their insights will span student success, innovation, operational efficiency, and philanthropy. Panelists include:
- Dedee DeLongpré Johnston, Chief of Staff, Wake Forest University, and founder of its Office of Sustainability.
- Dr. Fiona Wilson, Chief Sustainability Officer and Executive Director of the Sustainability Institute, University of New Hampshire.
- Meghna Tare, Chief Sustainability Officer at The University of Texas at Arlington and Chief Sustainability Officer for the Dallas FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Moderated by Shane Stennes, CSO, University of Minnesota
