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Warren Wilson College announces inaugural director of Master of Science in Applied Climate Studies

Following a national search, Warren Wilson College welcomed Keith McDade, Ph.D., as the director of its new Master of Science in Applied Climate Studies (MACS) program on July 1. 

The MACS program builds on the College’s decades-long legacy of leadership in climate change action and the strength of its undergraduate environmental programs. The two-year, low-residency graduate program will educate leaders capable of planning, implementing, and managing effective, just, and equitable climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. Applications will be accepted this fall for the inaugural class in 2025.

“We are delighted to announce that Dr. Keith McDade will join us as the inaugural director of our new Master of Science in Applied Climate Studies. Keith joins us with a wide network of connections to professional climate communities both in Western North Carolina and across the U.S. (and beyond),” said Dr. Damián Fernández, Warren Wilson’s president. “He envisions a current, applied, interdisciplinary MACS program, bringing together climate science, ecology, policy, economics, data analysis, communications, business, human health, and leadership—all framed by a commitment to climate justice—to prepare graduates for the challenges of climate resilience now, and into the future.” 

A true 21st century interdisciplinary thinker, after completing his undergraduate degree in Psychology, McDade joined the Peace Corps and worked in The Gambia, supporting community-based agroforestry for local communities. His Ph.D. in Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Michigan integrated natural and social sciences to examine questions of how best to communicate about, and engage stakeholders with, the pressing environmental challenges of our time. 

Although new to Warren Wilson College, McDade is already well acquainted with Western North Carolina. For the past 12 years he served as the inaugural director of the MS program in Sustainability Studies at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville, and he has contributed his skills and expertise to countless community initiatives over the years. McDade served as chair, vice chair, and member of the Sustainability Advisory Council on Energy and the Environment for the City of Asheville from 2015 to 2021. He has also served on the advisory boards of Clean Air Carolina and the City of Asheville’s Comprehensive Plan, Living Asheville, as an advisor for the City of Asheville’s Climate Resilience Assessment, and he participated in Leadership Asheville 35 (2016-17) and Building Bridges of Asheville (2017). McDade is a strong example of an academic who keeps community advocacy and collaboration at the forefront of his work, while encouraging the same in his students. 

“I am very excited and honored to join Warren Wilson College and start the MACS program at this critical moment,” shared Dr. McDade. “This program will prepare students to approach many climate related challenges with a professional skill set and an advanced understanding of intersecting climate issues.  Warren Wilson has been demonstrating strong commitment, innovation, and leadership in addressing climate change, social justice, and related concerns, and this program can help strengthen our impact in the global climate community.  We will partner across campus and throughout the region to engage graduate students to work toward a better future. This is the moment to step up and be part of the change, and this program will be an ideal way to act on our values and aspirations.”