Paul Smith’s College to expand research on Adirondack issues through key hires

Adirondack conservation experts Zoë Smith and Dr. Michale Glennon have joined Paul Smith’s College in newly-formed roles at the college’s Adirondack Watershed Institute (AWI). Smith has been named deputy director of AWI. She will work closely with AWI Executive Director Dr. Dan Kelting to guide the future growth and development of the Institute. Glennon has been hired as science director. Her focus will be on the expansion and integration of research on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Both Smith and Glennon join Paul Smith’s College after more than 40 years of combined experience in Adirondack conservation. Most recently Smith was the director of the Adirondack Program for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) where she built a successful collaborative, community-based conservation program. Glennon also worked for the WCS Adirondack Program as the director of science where she contributed scientific expertise on the impacts of human disturbance and habitat alteration to wildlife and other natural systems in the northeast. Both Smith and Glennon have experience building strong relationships with local communities, advocating for science in decision making, and mentoring aspiring conservation professionals.

“We are excited to welcome Zoë Smith and Michale Glennon to Paul Smith’s College,” said Paul Smith’s College President Cathy Dove. “These two highly esteemed conservation professionals will help us expand the college’s partnerships and develop new program areas that will benefit our students and the greater Adirondack community in support of rural resiliency.”

“Michale’s and Zoë’s combination of skills are the perfect complement to AWI,” added Kelting. “They will help shape the future of our work focusing on the Adirondack Park’s watersheds, which are the foundation for the health of our forests, waters, and communities.”

“I’ve been so impressed with the contributions that the Adirondack Watershed Institute has made in our region,” said Smith. “I’m looking forward to joining the Paul Smith’s College team to help strengthen and grow the services at AWI. I’m particularly excited about integrating the community-based partnerships that I developed over the past two decades into AWI’s well established programs to expand the profile of the college in our communities.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity,” said Glennon. “I have the utmost respect for the staff and the work of AWI and of Paul Smith’s College. The chance to become a part of this group, and to also join a great institution where we’ll have the ability to integrate Paul Smith’s students into our programs, is absolutely great, I feel extraordinarily fortunate.”

The mission of the Paul Smith’s College Adirondack Watershed Institute is to create scientifically-sound knowledge about terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and human relationships with the environment, enhance the educational opportunities available for undergraduate students and to engage the Adirondack Community in ways that facilitate the stewardship of our natural resources.

About Paul Smith’s College
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. We are the only four-year institution of higher education in the Adirondacks. Our programs – in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences – draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. For more information, visit paulsmiths.edu.