Alan M. Schwartz
Professor of Environmental Studies

“I was the tag-along spouse following Ginny, who was offered a job at St. Lawrence,” says Al Schwartz.  "Our plan was to stay three years.  That was 33 years ago.” In the interim, Schwartz has led the University’s environmental studies program on its ascendancy as one of the best undergraduate programs in the country.

Schwartz was trained as a biologist, but developed an interest in applied science and critical pollution problems.  “My first job in St. Lawrence County was as coordinator of the newly created Country Environmental Management Council, which broadened my interest in environmental issues,” he says.

Since joining the faculty full-time in 1974, Schwartz says he has enjoyed teaching Introduction to Environmental Studies. He also teaches seminars in energy policy, Canada/U.S. environmental issues, solid waste management, and “greening” the college campus. His principal research area is transboundary environmental issues shared by Canada and the U.S. ; he adds that “My most recent passion is an attempt to guide student research to change environmental practices of St. Lawrence.  This also empowers students by demonstrating that well-documented research can change institutions.”

When not on the job, Schwartz likes to “hone my sailing skills almost every spring by chartering a boat in the Caribbean.  Ginny and I also try to ski once a year out West, and we spend as much summer time as possible at our cabin in the Adirondacks.”