Arizona State University announces new school of conservation thanks to $115M gift

Arizona State University will use a $115 million gift to establish the new Rob Walton School of Conservation Futures.

The donation from the Rob Walton Foundation is the largest one ever made to ASU. It will also rename ASU’s College of Global Futures to the Rob Walton College of Global Futures.

A statement from ASU said the name recognizes "Walton’s long-term commitment to planetary health and sustainability."

Walton is a longtime supporter of the university and its sustainability efforts.

The new school is designed to reshape the practice and teaching of conservation science. It will integrate "cutting-edge biodiversity science with real-world conservation solutions."

Peter Schlosser, ASU vice president and vice provost of Global Futures, said the entity will work to preserve ecosystems and develop new conservation strategies.

“We will actually operate, not just here in Tempe, but also in many places around the world where we have hotspots where conservation is a critical point and has to be delivered," Schlosser said.

They've already pinpointed projects in Hawaii and Africa. Schlosser said the planet is experiencing a rapid loss in biodiversity and ecosystem functions that could create a crisis in the future.

“We believe that we actually have the knowledge to change that course and part of what that school will do is train the learners in these domains so that they can go out and make decisions that will reverse some of these negative trends," Schlosser said.

The school will offer graduate degrees, certificate programs and eventually undergraduate degrees. It will also provide opportunities for nontraditional learners and professionals seeking advanced credentials in the field.