David W. Orr

Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College

David W. Orr is the Paul Sears Distinguished Professor of Environmental Studies and Politics at Oberlin College and a James Marsh Professor at Large at the University of Vermont. Best known for his pioneering work on environmental literacy in higher education and his recent work in ecological design, Orr raised funds for and spearheaded the effort to design and build a $7.2 million Environmental Studies Center at Oberlin College. The building, described by the New York Times as "the most remarkable" of a new generation of college buildings, is listed among the thirty "milestone buildings" of the 20th century by the U.S. Department of Energy.

The author of five books, including Design on the Edge: The Making of a High Performance Building and The Last Refuge: Patriotism, Politics, and the Environment, Orr has published 150 articles in scientific journals, social science publications, and popular magazines, and is a contributing editor of Conservation Biology. He has served as a Trustee of the Educational Foundation of America, the Compton Foundation, and the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation and serves on the Boards of the Rocky Mountain Institute (CO), the Center for Ecoliteracy (CA), and the Center for Respect of Life and Environment. He is also an advisor and consultant to the Trust for Public Land, the National Parks Advisory Committee, and other organizations.

The recipient of a Bioneers Award in 2003 and a National Conservation Achievement Award by the National Wildlife Federation in 1993, Orr also received a Lyndhurst Prize in 1992 which recognizes "the educational, cultural, and charitable activities of particular individuals of exceptional talent, character, and moral vision." In 2004, he was named "an Environmental Hero" by Interiors & Sources Magazine. Orr holds three Honorary Doctorates and has been a distinguished scholar in residence at University of Washington, Ball State University and Westminster College in Salt Lake City.

Orr holds a B.A. from Westminster College (1965), a M.A. from Michigan State University (1966), and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania (1973). In a special citation, the Connecticut General Assembly noted Orr’s "vision, dedication, and personal passion" in promoting the principles of sustainability. The Cleveland Plain Dealer described him as "one of those who will shape our lives."