Courses & Case Studies
Case Studies
Case Studies
1
Result
Middlebury College: Energy2028 (320029)
by
Brian Trelstad,
Michael Norris and
John McKinley
- APRIL 2020 (REVISED MAY 2021)
Not all social change happens with new organizations. Middlebury College is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States and its new President Laurie Patton faced the challenge of students calling for divestment from fossil fuels, trustees opposed to it, and a series of day to day administrative challenges that demanded her immediate attention. How does change happen in established institutions?
Key Themes: Leaders in higher education and beyond can realize change by working with, not against,
change-makers even when board members and community leaders stand in opposition. Bold
collaboration, significant due diligence, and persistence are integral to reaping
institutional change.