The Division of Undergraduate Education at UC Santa Cruz proudly announces the appointment of Shelly Grabe as the new Provost of Rachel Carson College, effective July 1, 2024. Grabe, a Professor of Social Psychology at UC Santa Cruz, brings a depth of experience in research, activism, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
“The Colleges, College Provosts, and the Council of Provosts, are critical in shaping the academic experience for our students," said Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education and Global Engagement Richard Hughey. "Shelly Grabe is a proven student advocate and collaborative leader. Her extensive research and expertise will bring an intersectional lens into the sustainability programs and foci of Rachel Carson College.”
A distinguished scholar-activist with a focus on structural inequities, Grabe began teaching at UC Santa Cruz in 2008. Her accolades include the Denmark-Reuder Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Psychology in 2015, and she has authored several books, including Narrating the Psychology of Resistance: Voices of the Compañeras in Nicaragua (Oxford University Press, 2016) and co-authored Voces de Mujeres Feministas Agentes de Cambio en Perú (Voices of Feminist Women Agents of Change in Peru) (Kimochi Soluciones Editoriales, 2023).
Grabe's decision to assume the role of Rachel Carson College Provost is driven by her passion for sustainability and social justice.
"My past research is in social movements, and I am particularly interested in the potential to grow an aspect of environmental justice at Rachel Carson," said Grabe. "I hope to incorporate programming that recognizes the experience of marginalization and how turning to marginalized sources of knowledge may actually help our efforts towards sustainability."
Grabe emphasized the need to incorporate an intersectional lens into sustainability efforts, integrating perspectives on gender equity, indigenous knowledge, and environmental justice. She envisions Rachel Carson College as a hub for inclusive sustainability, building on existing campus initiatives such as the People of Color Sustainability Collective and partnerships with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band.
Reflecting on the strengths of the colleges at UC Santa Cruz, Grabe noted the commitment to creating a living learning environment. She aims to add an activism angle related to environmental justice, fostering not just individual sustainable practices but also the structural and social change necessary for large scale sustainability goals.
With 16 years of teaching experience at UC Santa Cruz, including a year and a half working as an interim and associate provost at Cowell College, Grabe is enthusiastic about her new role. She values the collegial atmosphere among the provosts and sees her administrative position as an extension of her commitment to enhancing the student experience at UC Santa Cruz.
"My commitment to the substance of these topics and the student experience is very similar to the dedication I've had as a faculty member who's teaching or engaging in social science research," said Grabe. "I see this as another venue for continuing that commitment."
Founded in 1972, Rachel Carson College has been integral to UCSC's environmental, ecological, and sustainability programs. RCC has ambitious curricular initiatives to engage students in sustainability research and work, including a College Core Course on "Environment and Society" and a minor in Sustainability Studies.
Grabe will succeed Sue Carter as RCC Provost, who served 2 commendable 3-year terms.
In acknowledging the contributions of former RCC college provosts and staff, Hughey affirmed, "I am grateful for the strong foundation that has been built at Rachel Carson College. I know that Dr. Grabe will build on that legacy and further enhance the college's impact on sustainability and social justice."
Grabe expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead, stating, "I am honored to join the Rachel Carson community and am excited to contribute to the college's ongoing success."
Please join us in welcoming Shelly Grabe to her new role as Provost of Rachel Carson College at UC Santa Cruz.
About Rachel Carson College
Rachel Carson College, founded in 1972 as College Eight, stands at the forefront of the University of California, Santa Cruz's commitment to environmental, ecological, and sustainability programs. Renamed in honor of the influential environmentalist Rachel Carson, the college has been a vital component of UC Santa Cruz's renowned initiatives. With a rich history and tradition, Rachel Carson College embraces an innovative curriculum, offering a College Core Course on "Environment and Society" and a minor in Sustainability Studies. Graduates from Rachel Carson College emerge as some of the nation's top environmental professionals and practitioners. The college's living learning environment, commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, and focus on sustainability position it as a dynamic hub for fostering critical thinking and active engagement with environmental challenges.
About Shelly Grabe
Shelly Grabe is a Professor of Social Psychology at UC Santa Cruz. Grabe couples her interest in structural inequities and her academic training to work with grassroots organizations in Nicaragua, Perú, and Tanzania that center women’s activism. In 2015 she was awarded the Denmark-Reuder Award for Outstanding International Contributions to Psychology and published her first book in 2016 with Oxford University Press: Narrating the Psychology of Resistance: Voices of the Compañeras in Nicaragua. She is also the editor of Women's Human Rights: A Social Psychological Perspective on Resistance, Liberation, and Justice (Oxford, 2017) and has a forthcoming book with Sylvanna M. Falcón and Adriana Maroto Vargas: Voces de Mujeres Feministas Agentes de Cambio en Perú (Voices of Feminist Women Agents of Change in Peru) (Kimochi Soluciones Editoriales, 2023). Grabe identifies as a scholar-activist and is committed to exploring how the study of social structures can be practically relevant and foster social change. In the classroom, Grabe teaches psychologies of justice and resistance. In recent years she has had the honor of being an Interim and Associate Provost at Cowell College.
