About Us
We foster healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities through applied research, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary, cross-sector partnerships.
Our Affiliate Scholars and Student Fellows conduct research and complete projects in the community. Learn more about opportunities for faculty, students, and community organizations and businesses to get involved. Click here to see a selection of our partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
History of CLUS
Dr. John Benhart established the CLU in 2003 to provide conferences, workshops, technical assistance, research, and community education programs to promote sound land planning and to enhance the quality of life in the five county service region of Adams, Fulton, Cumberland, Franklin, and Perry Counties.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the Center for Land Use and Sustainability is fostering healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities through applied research, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary, cross-sector partnerships.
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Affiliate Scholars
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Collaborations
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Student Fellows
Project Areas
The Center for Land Use and Sustainability supports science-based solutions to interdisciplinary sustainability challenges. We aim to improve environmental and community conditions through collaborations from local, regional and global organizations and businesses. View recent projects and collaborations below, which illustrate the nature and significance of our work.
Land Use Planning and Decision Support
We support the growth of healthy, vibrant, sustainable communities throughout Pennsylvania and beyond. Through applied research, we support informed decision-making processes that consider social determinants of health and creative placemaking to balance healthy growth with preserving resources and opportunities for future generations.
Sustainability and Climate Resilience
Our vision is to be a leader in transforming scientific research into social innovations that promote a thriving economy while preserving resources and reducing the impacts of climate change. We support projects with a holistic view of sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic perspectives.
Capacity Building
Collaboration is a key value of the CLUS, and we strive to support our partners. Today’s social, economic, and environmental challenges require an interdisciplinary approach. Successful collaborations are built on respect, consensus building, diversity, open-minds, and willingness to learn from each other.
Applied History
Today’s social, economic, and environmental challenges require an interdisciplinary approach. Our new affiliation with the Center for Applied History expands opportunities to advance the CLUS mission through heritage-based community development projects.
Research, Publications and other Resources
Support the Mission of the CLUS
The mission of the Center for Land Use and Sustainability is to support science-based solutions to interdisciplinary sustainability challenges. Your donation to the Center for Land Use and Sustainability Fund at the SU Foundation is tax deductible.
Who We Are
Leadership and Staff
The CLUS is housed in the College of Arts & Sciences at Shippensburg University.
Affiliate Scholars
The CLUS strives to support Shippensburg University faculty research and interdisciplinary collaborations. Faculty from departments and colleges across campus have engaged in high-quality research and scholarship.
Student Fellows
Through scholarship with CLUS Affiliate Scholars and community partners, our students build professional networks and skills that prepare them for the workforce or further studies, while addressing sustainability challenges.
Advisory Council
It supports the CLUS in advancing its mission of fostering healthy, vibrant, and sustainable communities through applied research, experiential learning opportunities, and interdisciplinary, cross-sector partnerships.