Climate Leadership Updates

May 20, 2026

Dear Stony Brook C4E Community,

Earlier this spring, I shared updates on our progress as a climate leader through the efforts of our Collaborative for the Earth and the climate and sustainability programming led through the Provost's Office. At that time, I also shared that Heather Lynch was stepping down as C4E's director and Kevin Reed, associate provost for climate and sustainability programming, would oversee the work of C4E in addition to his Provost's Office portfolio.

Over the next year, as the new university strategic plan goes into action, we will have the opportunity to shape what comes next for Stony Brook as a climate and sustainability leader.

While we continue to develop the ideal structure to lead our work, Kevin will take a much-deserved sabbatical to focus on his research during the upcoming academic year. Particularly relevant to Long Island and other coastal communities, his research aims to quantify changes in extreme rainfall events and associated flood risk.

Kevin has been at the helm of climate initiatives and leadership at Stony Brook, stretching back to the early days of the New York Climate Exchange proposal more than five years ago. He has taken on increasing levels of responsibility as a champion of Stony Brook's drive as a leader in climate and sustainability research and solutions, and has positioned us well to move into the next phase of this work.

To maintain our momentum while Kevin is on sabbatical, I am seeking individuals to serve in a joint role of Interim Associate Provost for Climate and Sustainability Programming and Interim Director of the C4E. You can view the responsibilities for this role in the position summary. A key priority will be to continue advancing the strategies and ideas put forth by the climate and sustainability scoping committee.

The interim period for this role will be the 2026-2027 academic year. I invite you to submit nominations, including self nominations, by Wednesday, May 27. You may also share this announcement with others who may be interested in the position.

Sincerely,

Carl

Carl W. Lejuez
Provost and Executive Vice President