The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) announced University of Pennsylvania’s Nina Morris as a recipient of its inaugural Fellows Award. She was among only ten individuals selected to receive this honor. 

Fellows were judged on the impact of their projects and programs; product contributions that advance sustainability in higher education; presentations and publications; and service and mentorship. Nina has served as Penn’s Sustainability Director since 2020 and previously held sustainability leadership roles at the University of Virginia (UVA). Highlights from her body of influence and work include:

• Initiated impactful sustainability programs at both Penn and UVA, including Green Labs and MLK Day of Service annual event series.
   
• Developed key sustainability documents, including Penn’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 4.0 and played a lead role in its Travel Sustainability Policy & Climate Impact Offset Charge.
   
• Contributed to sustainability knowledge through presentations at Climate Week and Energy Week at Penn, and co-authored a paper on sustainability officers.
   
• Served on various committees, including Ivy+ Sustainability Collaborative's Executive Committee, and mentored many students and professionals in sustainability.

AASHE bestows prestigious awards on institutions and individuals that help lead higher education to a sustainable future. This year, AASHE received over 90 entries resulting in 16 winners across four categories. To date, 150 higher education institutions and people have received an AASHE Sustainability Award since its inception in 2006.

“The 2025 AASHE Sustainability Award winners demonstrate an inspiring commitment to accelerating sustainability impact in higher education. I applaud these winners who are leading the way in transforming their campuses, exemplifying dedication, creativity, and vision as evidenced in each of these winning initiatives,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser.

To read more about AASHE’s awards programs, please visit http://www.aashe.org/get-involved/awards.

About the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) 

AASHE empowers higher education administrators, faculty, staff, and students to be effective change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation. AASHE enables members to translate information into action by offering essential resources and professional development to a diverse, engaged community of sustainability leaders. We work with and for higher education to ensure that our world's future leaders are motivated and equipped to solve sustainability challenges. For more information, visit www.aashe.org.