Dominion Energy Awards $25,000 Grant to SUU

Recently, Southern Utah University was selected to receive $25,000 from Dominion Energy’s 2018 Environmental Grant Awards for the SUU Geology Field Trip Program.

Together, Dominion Energy and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation annually award about $20 million in four focus areas: human needs, environmental stewardship, education, particularly STEM and energy fields, and community vitality. The 2018 Environmental Grants were given to 129 organizations in 12 states working to improve natural spaces or encourage environmental stewardship.

Dr. Johnny MacLean, associate professor of geology at Southern Utah University, explains the Geology Field Trip Program, a six-credit course that occurs almost entirely in the field.

“We teach two sections with roughly 28 students every summer, and each section runs for five weeks. Students from all over the country come to our field camp where they learn about several types of geologic processes in the spectacular settings of our national parks and other public lands. This is truly experiential education at its best.”

The competitive grants program supports environmental education and stewardship projects that preserve, enhance or make nature more accessible. Southern Utah University was one of eight organizations in the company’s western region that received grants up to $25,000 grants along with the National Forest Foundation and Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks.

“Each year I am impressed by the diverse and meaningful efforts being made in our communities to improve and sustain the environment,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “These grants support programs and people dedicated to making our world a better, more livable place - one that can be treasured today and passed down to future generations.”

The SUU Geology Program provides hands-on, field-based learning experiences to students, utilizing the campus’ close proximity to some of the most diverse land in North America. Students study nearly two billion years of geologic history within a 100-mile radius of campus, involving students in cutting-edge research and taking education outside the classroom.

At SUU, Dr. MacLean serves as chair of the general education committee, director of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies Program, and is a provost faculty fellow. He is familiar with the media and available for an interview. Simply visit his profile.

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