Kelly Harer

Associate Director of Sustainability for Education and Outreach

Powell Building, Office 220 2104 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Brief Biography

Kelly Harer joined the Elon Community in July 2017. As the Associate Director of Sustainability, Kelly works to infuse sustainability throughout campus through programming, trainings, workshops and events. She has particular knowledge and interest in the intersectionality of environmental and social justice. Kelly enjoys working with the Eco-Reps and Office of Sustainability Interns to further promote sustainability at Elon.

News & Notes

Education

M.A. Social Responsibility and Sustainabile Communities, Western Kentucky University

B.S. Business Administration (Management), Coastal Carolina University

Employment History

Lecturer, Sustainability, Coastal Carolina University (2016-2017)

Assistant Director of Admissions, Coastal Carolina University (2012-2017)

Leadership Positions

Member, Advisory Board for the Ripple Interfaith Conference (2025-2028)

Communications Chair, Staff Advisory Council (2025-2026)

Involvement Chair, Staff Advisory Council (2023-2025)

Member, Environmental Advisory Council (2017- Present)

Presentations

Harer, K. ; Hill, L. (2023) Sucessfully Supporting Students Networking Event at the AASHE Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. Boston, Massachusetts.

Harer, K., Miller, H. (2023) Successfully Supporing Students: How to work with Students to Create Effective Communications. Presentation at Communications and Conversations Conference.

Harer, K., Garner, L. & Nicolaison, L. (2022) Alumni & Student Engagement: Building Relationships and Career Pathways. Presentation at AASHE Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. Virtual.

Harer, K., Cilluffo, G., Schwamberger, S., & Vickery, C. (2021) Comparison of Eco-Rep Program Format Between Three Southeastern Universities. Presentation at AASHE Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. Virtual.

Harer, K. & Garner, L. (2020). Moving Beyond ‘Likes’ and ‘Followers’: How to create meaningful real-life engagement via Instagram. Presentation at AASHE Global Conference on Sustainability in Higher Education. Virtual.

Harer, K., Hemeng, O., Hoeffler, B., Armbruster, A., & Systma, T. (2019) The Power of Partnerships. Presentation at AASHE Conference & Expo. Spokane, Washington.

Professional Activities

Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)

International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)

Awards

Phoenix Collaboration Award (2025)

Brian C. O'Shea Outstanding Service to Students Award (2019 & 2022)