Our Mission

SMEA is an interdisciplinary community of scholars addressing emergent environmental and social challenges affecting marine and coastal areas.

We do this in ways that are responsive to equity and justice, and by creating actionable knowledge, teaching, and engaging with diverse institutions and communities.

Our Vision for the Future

Over the coming decade, SMEA will:

• Focus on the science, policy, and social issues essential to sustaining marine and coastal areas
• Continue to be known for an interdisciplinary approach that centers on human dimensions and environmental justice.
• Amplify our contributions to communities and institutions
• Diversify our academic offerings, with pathways for students to find meaningful employment in a variety of fields or a path to further research.
• Increase the size and diversity of our faculty and student body.

How We’ll Achieve Our Vision

With more than 50 years of history behind us, and facing increasing impacts of climate change and demands for environmental justice, demand for what we have to offer is increasing. SMEA’s potential is immense, and we have much to do to achieve our Vision:

Expand our faculty and resources

• Recruit and retain faculty members who are aligned with our Vision and core philosophy.
• Increase support for faculty and students in grant writing and securing research funding.

Diversify our course and degree offerings

• Continue to refine the existing Master’s in Marine Affairs
• Expand our offerings for undergraduates.
• Explore new graduate programs such as a Master of Science and a research-focused Doctoral.

Invest in student support and career development

• Enhance support services for students, including advising, mentorship, and career counseling.
• Strengthen systems to help students advance their careers or pursue further education.

Engage our alumni network

• Establish a nationwide alumni network of mentors and SMEA supporters.
• Connect students with alumni and potential employers.

Stay committed to our core philosophy

• Ground our work in an interdisciplinary approach, equipping students with a versatile skillset to solve real-world change.
• Integrate equity and global perspectives in the classroom and center communities most impacted by climate change.
• Expand partnerships within the College of the Environment, as well as other schools within and outside the University to enhance research opportunities, curriculum development, and student experiences.

SMEA Strategic Plan