Institute for Applied Sustainability
Bret Anderson, Ph.D.
Academic & Faculty Director, Economics
Earlier in his career Dr. Anderson published several scholarly articles on the subject of global growth and labor market inequalities. However, since the twin crises of the wildfires and pandemic impacted the region, his research, teaching, and community advancement efforts have shifted into the areas of economic readiness and democratization of the local economy. Professor Anderson considers his expertise as being a facilitator of place-based solutions.
To that end, Professor Anderson and several committed community members created the Local Innovation Lab in partnership with Southern Oregon University. The Local Innovation Lab is a community-based, college-to-career mentorship program that aims to empower our future entrepreneurs and leaders.
Professor Anderson believes that economics, alongside many of the social sciences, is able to help construct the needed institutional frameworks and narratives that can open our collective imaginations for creating local and sustainable solutions for society’s grand problems.
Sierra Garrett
Student Engagement Director, Institute for Applied Sustainability
Sierra (she/her) is an undergraduate student in the Honors College at Southern Oregon University, where she majors in Sustainability. Her academic and professional goals include increasing equity in food production and access, promoting circular economic and agricultural frameworks, and using eco-social art as a vehicle for change. Sierra has experience studying and observing sustainability in five of the Nordic countries and has taken a recent interest in Arctic environmental change, particularly in Indigenous Sámi communities. In partnership with the IAS, Sierra works with SOU’s student population to foster engagement and elevate sustainability-based leadership opportunities.
Vincent M. Smith, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Institute for Applied Sustainability
Vincent M. Smith is the Director of the Division of Business, Communication, and the Environment at Southern Oregon University. He previously served as Chair of the Environmental Science & Policy Department and held a joint teaching appointment specializing in sustainable food systems, agroecology, and environmental sociology. He earned his BA in plant ecology from Truman State University, his MS in environmental science from Oregon State University, and his PhD in interdisciplinary environmental studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He additionally serves as the Director of the SOU Institute for Applied Sustainability and is the Director of The Farm at SOU. Dr. Smith also represents Southern Oregon University as a member of the Rogue Valley Food System Council, as a board member of the Rogue Basin Partnership, as a board member of Rusted Gate Farm, and serves on the environmental affairs committee of Mt. Ashland Ski Area. He lives in Ashland with his wife and three children where he enjoys exploring the beauty of Southern Oregon.
Becs Walker
Operations Director, Institute for Applied Sustainability
Becs Walker is the Director of Sustainability for the campus at Southern Oregon University. She brings that expertise and focus to the Institute of Applied Sustainability in her role as the Operations Director.
Becs moved to Ashland from Scotland in 2019 after working for 15 years at the Scottish EPA. As Head of Waste and Resources at the Scottish EPA, Becs managed 5 national teams responsible for implementing European, United Kingdom and Scottish legislation. She also worked with the Scottish Government developing world-leading climate change policy and circular economy policy.
Becs also serves on the City of Ashland’s Climate and Energy Policy Committee, Mt Ashland Sustainability and Environment Committee. Becs is an avid mountain biker and enjoys skiing, running and being in the mountains.
Kira Welch
Managing Director, Institute for Applied Sustainability
Kira (she/her) provides guidance and support in cultivating partnerships and building capacity within the growing Institute. As a dedicated alumna, Kira’s journey in Southern Oregon began at SOU, where she instilled a foundation in leadership and a passion for sustainability and inclusivity. She has expanded on these throughout her career while she developed her skills in project management, program development, and communication. Collaborative by nature, Kira looks forward to working with the community, faculty, staff, and students to propel the Institute to new heights.
Contact the IAS Team
Vincent Smith: smithv3@sou.edu
Becs Walker: walkerr6@sou.edu
Kira Welch: welchk1@sou.edu
