John Bryd found his love of sustainability and the planet through his time outdoors before he started his academic career. He spent time backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, and rafting. “Most people who spend a lot of time in the wilderness become concerned about protection and preservation,” said Bryd.
Twelve years ago, Bryd taught the first course in what would become our Managing for Sustainability Program. Today, the program is recognized nationally for distinguished professors and courses addressing the issues we are facing around the world. One of Bryd’s courses, titled Business and Global Climate Change (MGMT 6827), received recognition in early December. Bryd was recognized by the Aspen Institute in 2019 as one of the 10 winners of the 2019 “Ideas Worth Teaching Award” for his efforts in redefining business education and preparing leaders of tomorrow through exceptional learning experiences.
In his course, students learn about carbon budgets, policies to address climate change, look at how companies report their carbon footprints, and more. This helps students gain awareness of risks and opportunities and how to deal with them as managers. “I hope that sustainability in time becomes fully integrated into all the decisions that organizations make,” Byrd said. “Rather than talking about ‘sustainable business,’ it is just part of doing business well.”
“John’s research and instructional innovation have a meaningful impact for our students, industry, and society,” said Business School’s Interim Dean Gary Colbert, adding, “John is a well-known scholar and a passionate entrepreneurial instructor..”
In 2019, the M4S program was named #3 Best Online MBA in Sustainability Program by BestColleges and #5 Best Online MBA in Sustainability Program by The Best Schools.
