Pushing Boundaries

On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:15:01 +0000

On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock Megan M Rogers Thu, 11/13/2025 - 14:15

As CU ��ý�� deepens its commitment to sustainability and climate action, Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock brings a uniquely global perspective to campus. In addition to leading CU’s sustainability strategy, Mayock serves on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute, helping to carry forward the legacy of one of the world’s most influential environmental leaders.

Mayock recently returned from a board trip to Tanzania, where the board visited the Gombe Stream Research Centre, a living laboratory, home to the world’s most studied group of wild chimpanzees, and met with Roots & Shoots students in Kigoma and Arusha.

We spoke with him about what’s next for Goodall’s mission, how her philosophy aligns with CU ��ý��’s vision, and what it will take to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

Goodall has inspired generations to care deeply about our planet. What’s next for her legacy? How is the institute evolving to meet today's global sustainability challenges?

Visiting Gombe, the birthplace of Jane’s groundbreaking research, was a profound reminder that her legacy began with careful observation, empathy, and a willingness to challenge convention. Jane was also passionate about empowering young people to become involved in conservation and humanitarian projects.

Today, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is about maintaining Jane’s momentum and deepening her work and legacy by combining rigorous science with community-centered conservation. This means not only protecting chimpanzees and other species and their habitats but also empowering the people who live alongside them. JGI’s work in forest restoration, sustainable livelihoods, and youth engagement continues to exemplify the shift from conservation for people and wildlife to conservation with people and wildlife. Further, it is about continuing to expand Roots and Shoots, the youth leadersship program, started over thirty years ago.

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like CU harness that same sense of agency?

Vice Chancellor for Sustainability Andrew Mayock

Goodall’s message—that every individual makes a difference—translates powerfully into the context of a university like CU ��ý��. Large institutions can sometimes feel impersonal or slow to move, yet they are made up of individuals whose daily choices shape culture and impact.

At CU ��ý��, we’re working to embed agency into every level of sustainability engagement. That means creating pathways for personal connection—through participatory climate planning, faculty-led research that responds to community needs, and student projects that turn ideas into action. By linking global challenges to local solutions and celebrating visible progress, we nurture the same sense of purpose and hope that Jane has inspired in millions around the world.

The Roots & Shoots movement empowered young people to take action in their communities. What can universities do to cultivate that same spirit of curiosity, compassion and commitment?

Meeting Roots & Shoots students in Tanzania reminded me that curiosity, compassion and community are universal, and essential, for sustainable change. Universities can cultivate this spirit by reimagining education not as a transmission of knowledge but as a co-creation of solutions.

Programs that integrate experiential learning, civic engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration are key. When students see that their actions—whether restoring a local ecosystem, addressing food insecurity or developing new climate technologies—can tangibly improve their community, they experience the same transformative spark that Jane ignited in her young changemakers.

How can institutions balance the personal call to action with the systemic change required at the scale of higher education or government?

Jane recognized that stories move hearts, and data moves minds. Institutions need both. At CU ��ý��, we’re learning that systemic change, whether achieving carbon neutrality or embedding sustainability into the curriculum, relies on connecting the personal to the structural.

By elevating personal narratives of action and aligning them with institutional goals, we humanize the systems we seek to transform. A student’s composting project, a researcher’s breakthrough in renewable energy or a staff member’s innovative waste solution—each story becomes part of a collective movement toward systemic transformation.

The balance lies in recognizing that systemic change starts with individual conviction, and individual conviction is sustained by belonging to something larger than oneself. That’s the essence of Jane’s message, and the opportunity before all of us.

In addition to leading CU's sustainability strategy, Vice Chancellor of Sustainability Andrew Mayock serves on the board of the Jane Goodall Institute, helping to carry forward the legacy of one of the world's most influential environmental leaders.

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Students, librarians create smarter sustainable materials library

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:03:50 +0000

Students, librarians create smarter sustainable materials library Megan M Rogers Tue, 11/11/2025 - 08:03

The University Libraries partnered with faculty and students in the Environmental Design program to build a better materials library focused on sustainable design. By contributing their expertise, librarians helped students create a resource that supports hands-on learning and future-forward design practices.

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CU ��ý��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 19:41:29 +0000

CU ��ý��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact Megan M Rogers Fri, 10/31/2025 - 13:41

More than 50 years ago, CU ��ý�� planted a bold idea: that leadership isn’t reserved for a select few—it lives within us all. What started with the formation of the Presidents Leadership Class in 1972 grew into the Center for Leadership (CFL), established in 2020. Today, CFL supports a vibrant leadership ecosystem on campus and empowers thousands of students to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series

Join a talk with the acclaimed producer and Madison Wells CEO Gigi Pritzker, who will delve into the transformative power of bold storytelling—highlighting how film, television and theater can drive cultural impact, amplify underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful change.

Monday, Nov. 17
7:30 p.m.
Macky Auditorium
Open to the public
$3–$20

In just five years, CFL has experienced powerful growth, starting with 19 affiliate programs across campus to 45, now reaching more than 12,000 students each year. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about transformation. CFL’s campuswide model blends research, hands-on learning and a deep commitment to equity, ensuring leadership development is accessible to students of every major, background and identity.

The results speak volumes. CFL’s mentorship scores consistently exceed national benchmarks, and students report significant gains in leader identity and self-efficacy. And, for the last two years, CU ��ý�� has earned a spot on Time Magazine’s list of “Top 100 Colleges for Future Leaders.”

CFL also brings leadership to life through signature events such as the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, which will host Emmy award-winning film producer Gigi Pritzker on Nov. 17, and the Conference on World Affairs, where global changemakers—think Cynthia Erivo and David Brooks—share their stories and inspire the next generation of Buffs.

Now, as CFL celebrates its fifth anniversary, it’s also looking back. A new history report, “A Legacy Realized: The Making of CU ��ý��’s Center for Leadership,” traces the university’s long-standing commitment to leadership education—from early civic engagement efforts to today’s nationally recognized programs.

5 questions with Stefanie Johnson

Stefanie Johnson, director of the Center for Leadership and professor at Leeds School of Business, reflects on the center’s journey and its vision for 2030—that humans who are interested in leadership will come to see ��ý�� as the place where leaders are made.

What does the 5-year milestone mean for the center?

Five years is a big milestone—it’s both a celebration and a chance to reflect. When the Center for Leadership launched in 2020, Chancellor Philip DiStefano had a bold vision: to shape tomorrow’s leaders by bringing CU ��ý��’s many leadership efforts together under one coordinated, research-driven hub.

Fast forward to today, and that vision has truly come to life. The center now connects 45 affiliate programs across every college; leads signature initiatives like the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series, the Emerging Leaders Academy and the Newton Fellows Program; and has become a national model for how a public university can scale leadership education.

This milestone shows that leadership isn’t just an add-on at CU ��ý�� anymore—it’s part of our institutional DNA.

How do you define success for the center?

For us, success isn’t just about how many programs or events we run—it’s really about impact and identity. We look at success through four lenses.

Are leaders born or made?

Our research shows that about 30% of leadership is genetic—your intelligence, extraversion, height and things like that. But 70% of leadership is learned. The Center for Leadership uses evidence-based practices to ensure students are learning leadership while they are Buffs.”

Access: Every CU student should have a way into leadership development, no matter their major or background.
Depth: Our programs combine theory, research and hands-on practice—whether that’s coaching, outdoor leadership intensives or civic engagement projects.
Community: We’ve built an ecosystem where faculty, staff, alumni and community partners mentor and learn alongside students.
Evidence: Through rigorous evaluation and data, we can show how leadership education boosts student success, well-being and civic engagement.

At the end of the day, if students leave CU ��ý�� seeing themselves as leaders—ready to act with integrity, creativity and care—that’s when we know we’ve succeeded.

How does the center ensure every student can access leadership opportunities?

Accessibility is really at the heart of our model. Instead of creating one selective program, we built a network of leadership opportunities that meets students where they are.

Through our Affiliate Leadership Network, we coordinate with 45 programs—everything from academic minors and ROTC to athletics, student affairs initiatives and community-based leadership experiences—so students can choose the format that fits them best.

We’ve also introduced low-barrier entry points like the Emerging Leadership Academy, which is open to all students, and our ��ý��-CU Leadership Program mentoring initiative. By uniting programs, removing financial barriers and creating multiple on-ramps—from micro-credentials to fellowships—we make sure leadership education at CU ��ý�� is for everyone, not just the already-involved few.

What role does the center play in CU ��ý��'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

We see leadership as the bridge between learning and lasting impact. The center helps turn CU ��ý��’s world-class teaching and research into ethical, sustainable action.

Our students don’t just study climate or innovation—they lead projects that make those values real: reducing waste in ��ý��, improving mental-health access, planting trees, mentoring youth and launching civic-impact challenges.

We teach students to lead with self-awareness, social responsibility and a systems mindset. For us, sustainability isn’t just environmental—it’s human and organizational. It’s about sustaining communities, workplaces and democracy itself.

That’s why we believe leadership development is CU ��ý��’s most powerful tool for transforming lives and shaping a just, sustainable world.

What advice do you have for students who want to get involved?

For faculty, staff

A-Lab (Affiliate-Lab) is a three-year-long development and grant opportunity for CFL affiliate programs. A-Lab supports affiliate staff and faculty in advancing their programming, generating elevated leadership education across CU ��ý��. Learn more.

My advice? Start anywhere—but start. Leadership is within us all. If you’re curious about leadership, there are so many ways to jump in. Join the Emerging Leaders Academy, which happens once a month, or sign up for mentoring or take LEAD 1000, the first course in the leadership studies minor.

You can also check out the Leo Hill Leadership Speaker Series. This fall, we’re thrilled to host film producer Gigi Pritzker. And the week before, on Nov. 6, we’re screening her Emmy-nominated film "Nonnas"—it’s a great way to connect with other students who geek out about learning how to lead.

Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about showing up with courage, curiosity and purpose. Every student at CU ��ý�� has the capacity to lead. We’re here to help you discover how.

More than 50 years ago, CU ��ý�� planted a bold idea—that leadership isn't reserved for a select few. What started with the formation of the Presidents Leadership Class in 1972 grew into the Center for Leadership, established in 2020. Today, the center empowers thousands of students to lead with purpose and authenticity.

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NSF I-Corps at CU ��ý�� helps researchers solve pressing problems

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:36:14 +0000

NSF I-Corps at CU ��ý�� helps researchers solve pressing problems Megan M Rogers Tue, 10/21/2025 - 08:36

From agriculture to aerospace, the National Science Foundation's I-Corps program is a launchpad on campus, helping innovators in and out of CU bring research and inventions to the people who need them most.

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Driving discovery: The essential role of Core Facilities in CU ��ý�� research

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:54:08 +0000

Driving discovery: The essential role of Core Facilities in CU ��ý�� research Megan M Rogers Wed, 10/15/2025 - 07:54

At CU ��ý��, Core Facilities are a cornerstone of the research enterprise—fueling scientific discovery, driving innovation and providing access to the tools and expertise necessary to advance knowledge across disciplines.

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Slow your scroll: Experts talk news, TikTok and critical thinking in Poynter panel

Elizabeth Lock — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 18:46:47 +0000

Slow your scroll: Experts talk news, TikTok and critical thinking in Poynter panel Elizabeth Lock Fri, 10/10/2025 - 12:46

The College of Media, Design and Information along with the Poynter Institute gathered a group of experts to discuss intergenerational storytelling, with a special focus on environmental reporting.

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Bridging cultures and knowledge: Indigenous women scholars shaping the future

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:00:12 +0000

Bridging cultures and knowledge: Indigenous women scholars shaping the future Megan M Rogers Thu, 10/02/2025 - 08:00

Visiting scholar Bárbara Nascimento Flores brought two fellow Indigenous women scholars to CU ��ý�� to establish the Center Wayrakuna of Indigenous Ancestral Sciences. Their goal is to bridge Western academic methods with Indigenous ways of knowing—culturally, politically and spiritually.

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Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:59:02 +0000

Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/30/2025 - 08:59

College of Engineering and Applied Science

What to do with failed 3D prints? A student team's idea and new initiative transforms plastic waste from 3D printing into reusable materials, reducing landfill impacts and championing student innovation.

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Rapids ahead: A conservation leadership adventure through the Gates of Lodore

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 14:35:41 +0000

Rapids ahead: A conservation leadership adventure through the Gates of Lodore Megan M Rogers Tue, 09/30/2025 - 08:35

This summer, students in the Center for Leadership explored conservation and experiential leadership lessons on the Green River.

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Where the Buffalo ride

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:19:42 +0000

Where the Buffalo ride Megan M Rogers Wed, 09/24/2025 - 09:19

This is how the Buffalo Bicycle Classic helped a first-generation CU student discover strength, purpose and community.

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Pushing Boundaries

On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock

Goodall has inspired generations to care deeply about our planet. What’s next for her legacy? How is the institute evolving to meet today's global sustainability challenges?

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like CU harness that same sense of agency?

The Roots & Shoots movement empowered young people to take action in their communities. What can universities do to cultivate that same spirit of curiosity, compassion and commitment?

How can institutions balance the personal call to action with the systemic change required at the scale of higher education or government?

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Students, librarians create smarter sustainable materials library

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CU ��ý��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

What does the 5-year milestone mean for the center?

How do you define success for the center?

Are leaders born or made?

How does the center ensure every student can access leadership opportunities?

What role does the center play in CU ��ý��'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

What advice do you have for students who want to get involved?

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Pushing Boundaries

On Jane Goodall's legacy—a Q&A with Andrew Mayock

Goodall has inspired generations to care deeply about our planet. What’s next for her legacy? How is the institute evolving to meet today's global sustainability challenges?

Goodall often emphasized hope and individual action as the foundation for change. How can large institutions like CU harness that same sense of agency?

The Roots & Shoots movement empowered young people to take action in their communities. What can universities do to cultivate that same spirit of curiosity, compassion and commitment?

How can institutions balance the personal call to action with the systemic change required at the scale of higher education or government?

Related Articles

Students, librarians create smarter sustainable materials library

Related Articles

CU ������ý����'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

What does the 5-year milestone mean for the center?

How do you define success for the center?

Are leaders born or made?

How does the center ensure every student can access leadership opportunities?

What role does the center play in CU ������ý����'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

What advice do you have for students who want to get involved?

Related Articles

NSF I-Corps at CU ������ý���� helps researchers solve pressing problems

Related Articles

Driving discovery: The essential role of Core Facilities in CU ������ý���� research

Related Articles

Slow your scroll: Experts talk news, TikTok and critical thinking in Poynter panel

Related Articles

Bridging cultures and knowledge: Indigenous women scholars shaping the future

Related Articles

Engineering program helps launch 3D plastic recycling program

Related Articles

Rapids ahead: A conservation leadership adventure through the Gates of Lodore

Related Articles

Where the Buffalo ride

Related Articles

CU ��ý��'s Center for Leadership celebrates 50 years of impact

What role does the center play in CU ��ý��'s vision of transforming lives to create a sustainable world?

NSF I-Corps at CU ��ý�� helps researchers solve pressing problems

Driving discovery: The essential role of Core Facilities in CU ��ý�� research