The Environmental Lecture Series was established at Ashland University after the implementation of the Environmental Science Program in 1991-92. The lecture series was designed to support the program by allowing students, faculty and members of North Central Ohio communities to interact with leaders in environmental science and policy. Over the years, the lecture series has generated significant campus and community involvement and support. Recent lectures have been archived on this webpage for your viewing.
Current support for the lecture series is provided by donations from individuals and support from Ashland University. Previous lecture series have been supported by AU and grants from the National Science Foundation, the Lubrizol Foundation, the GTE Foundation, and the Fran and Warren Rupp Foundation.
Please check each listing for details. Specific events may use other locations or be webinar-only.
Ashland University invites participants to attend both in-person or via live webinar whenever possible. All Environmental Lecture Series events, whether in-person or via live webinar, are free and open to the public.
2025-2026 Environmental Lecture Series: Environment & Religion
The theme of this year’s Environmental Lecture Series is Environment & Religion.
Where do humans fit into the natural world? What ethics guide human interactions with their environment? We want to understand more about different religious perspectives on relationships among humans, non-human animals and the environment. How do religious teachings influence environmental policies and environmental activism? Presenters will share some of their experience with different religious traditions and where they see connections with environmental issues.
This year’s lecture series is possible thanks to donations from Kimmie and Steve Humrichouser and other generous individuals and support from the AU College of Arts & Sciences. In addition, the AU Honors Program is hosting Dr. Lindroth and the AU Department of Religion is co-hosting Dr. Moerman and Dr. Belser.
Please note that the three evening presentations have different event locations and start times.
Climate Change and the Pursuit of Truth in a Post-Truth World
Wednesday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.
Upper Convo
Hosted by the AU Honors Program
Presentation by Dr. Rick Lindroth
Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Ecology, Emeritus, and former Associate Dean for Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Distinguished Fellow of The Lumen Center (slbf.org/lumen-center), Madison, WI
Christian Environmental Stewardship: Biblical Principles for Addressing Climate Change
Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Ronk Lecture Hall, Schar College of Education
Co-hosted by the AU Department of Religion
Presentation by Rev. Dr. Jessica Moerman
President and CEO, Evangelical Environmental Network (creationcare.org)
Climate Change and Climate Justice
Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
By webinar - Register for Webinar
Co-hosted by the AU Department of Religion
Presentation by Rabbi Dr. Julia Watts Belser
Professor of Jewish Studies, Department of Theology and Religious Studies & Faculty, Disability Studies Program & Senior Research Fellow, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.