About
Rachel Carson College is dedicated to exploring the connections between environment and society through education, research, and action. Rooted in the legacy of our namesake, we prepare students to think critically, engage collaboratively, and help build a more sustainable and just world.
Provost Welcome
Hear from our new College Provost (appointed 2024), Shelly Grabe, who aims to grow our Sustainability Minor curriculum and programming with inclusive and global perspectives that link sustainability with environmental justice, equity, and community resilience frameworks.
News & Updates
From student highlights and campus events to college traditions and community stories, find out what’s happening at Rachel Carson College. Stay connected with the latest updates, memorable moments, and stories that showcase our vibrant community.
Alumni Profiles
Rachel Carson College’s goal is to foster an environment in which future entrepreneurs, scientists, activists, and community leaders can develop their skill sets and become educated in today’s best sustainable practices. Learn more about our notable alumni.
Shelly Grabe
Rachel Carson College Provost
sgrabe@ucsc.edu
Provost Welcome
Since its creation in 1972, Rachel Carson College (founded as College Eight) has been a crucial component of the university’s world renowned environmental, ecological and sustainability programs and initiatives. Through a generous gift from the Webster Foundation, our college was endowed as Rachel Carson College in 2016. Rachel Carson was one of the most influential science communicators of the 20th century. As a biologist specializing in marine science, she used the power of science, writing, and courage to warn the world about the dangers of pesticides and thereby sparked the modern environmental movement – at a time when few women were respected in science or publishing. At Rachel Carson College we educate students about the environment and society.
Our curriculum involves both a College Core Course on “Environment and Society” and a minor in Sustainability Studies, open to all UC Santa Cruz students. Our Sustainability Studies Minor has the distinction of being the only minor offered through one of the ten Colleges at UCSC, rather than being offered through a Department. This affords students from different disciplinary majors the unique opportunity to work and learn together in any of our courses. Our Sustainability Studies Minor includes a focus on experiential learning designed to advance students as change agents who can contribute to bringing about a more sustainable world.
Our new College Provost (appointed 2024), Shelly Grabe, aims to grow our Sustainability Minor curriculum and programming with inclusive and global perspectives that link sustainability with environmental justice, equity, and community resilience frameworks.