Welcoming Ben Ingman: IonE’s new Director of Learning & Development

To help lead this work, IonE recently welcomed Ben Ingman as Director of Learning & Development. Ben brings extensive experience in sustainability education, curriculum design, and community partnership development. In the following Q&A, he shares more about his background, what drew him to sustainability work, and what he’s looking forward to in the role.

Can you share a bit about your academic and professional background? Are there ways you see it connecting with the work at the Institute on the Environment or within the Learning & Development team?

Prior to joining IonE, I was a Center Associate Director and Research Associate Professor at the University of Denver. I’ve gained experience developing and implementing action-oriented programming on a variety of topics, including environmental sustainability, wellbeing, health, and equity in K-12, university, and community settings. I have raised over $15 million in funding and led interdisciplinary initiatives that have resulted in thousands of changes in community settings. I earned a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction and a Master’s in Experiential Education.

This background can be leveraged to advance the mission of IonE, especially in the domain of Learning and Development. My experience with curriculum studies and research methods can support the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative programing. I also believe my background in developing meaningful partnerships will be a useful asset as we continue to advance coordination and collaboration with community and University partners. Further, my experience leading effective teams will be helpful as we embark on the next chapter of Learning and Development at IonE.

What drew you to the Institute on the Environment – or to the University of Minnesota as a whole?

When I first saw the position description, I immediately thought it was a strong fit. For me, working at IonE provides an opportunity to advance a mission that is aligned with my values and beliefs. In particular, I was excited to learn about IonE’s focus on addressing real world complex issues through an interdisciplinary lens with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. Further, it offers the chance to build on an impressive portfolio of programming with space to continue to be creative and collaborate with a diverse array of experts across the U of M system.

The more I get to know the people of IonE and the work that they have been advancing in Minnesota, the more excited I feel about joining them. It is an ambitious group that has been intentional to equip itself with a broad skill set and deep knowledge base across sectors and disciplines. I have the sense already that different knowledge, backgrounds, and skills are valued and leveraged to contribute to the mission – and I’m honored to be playing a part in that.

How did you first become interested in environmental or sustainability work?

My interest in environmental and sustainability work traces back to my childhood family, which valued spending time outdoors together. I have many fond memories of camping trips and exploring the ravine in our neighborhood. As I grew up, I continued to center activity in the outdoors as an adventurer and climber, and found deep meaning in those experiences. Those personal experiences then led me to facilitate outdoor experiences for others, which was coupled with a desire to value and preserve natural spaces and habitats. This background continues to influence my professional activities, which center sustainability, curriculum, wellbeing, and the kinds of experiences we facilitate for educational purposes.

What have your first impressions of IonE been? Anything surprising or memorable from your first few weeks?

The overarching theme so far is that it feels like I am in the right place. It’s been motivating to meet people who are committed to the mission of the institute, creative and futuristic in their outlook, and compassionate with one another. IonE has done a phenomenal job creating an onboarding process that gives me a foundational understanding of where IonE has been, where it is now, and where it is headed. Although the national backdrop of current events has been tumultuous of late, the team at IonE remains upbeat and committed to advancing its mission. It has been inspiring to witness.

As you get settled into your role, what are you most looking forward to – either in your work or within the IonE community?

I am most looking forward to getting to know the people, activities, programming, and partners of IonE. In particular, I am eager to collaborate with the Learning and Development team about their successes and challenges as we focus our efforts toward IonE’s strategic plan. I’m also looking forward to continuing to think critically and creatively about how we can best advance sustainability across the U of M system and beyond.

IonE offers an impressive compendium of initiatives in partnership with a wide array of audiences, which continues to generate expansive impact. The more I learn, the more confidence I have in the capacity of this collective to advance this critical work.

Nina Vang is the Communications Program Coordinator at the Institute on the Environment.