The AASHE Fellows Award recognizes mid-career individuals who are significantly contributing to the advancement of sustainability in higher education.
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) selected Elaine Durr, senior director of sustainability, as one of the recipients of the 2026 Fellows Award.
The AASHE Fellows Award recognizes mid-career individuals who are significantly contributing to the advancement of sustainability in higher education. Durr is one of ten individuals chosen to receive this award in its second year. Selection was based on the impact recipients are making in the field of higher education sustainability through one or more of the following: programs and projects; products, presentations and publications; service and mentorship.
“I am truly honored to receive the AASHE Fellows Award,” said Durr. “Impactful sustainability work is not done in isolation. I am grateful for the collaboration, support and involvement of many Elon staff, students and faculty, as well as colleagues at other institutions, and for the support and opportunities provided by AASHE.”
Durr has been at Elon since 2008, when she was hired as the university’s first full-time sustainability professional. Since her arrival, Elon’s sustainability program has advanced significantly and received local and national recognition.
“Since joining Elon, Elaine has approached this work with passion, creativity and a deep commitment to cultivating sustainability within all aspects of the Elon community,” said Brad Moore, Associate Vice President for Facilities and Chief Facilities Officer. “This is a tremendous honor for her to be recognized as one of the top 10 leaders doing this work. We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the lasting difference she continues to make at Elon.”
The AASHE Fellows Award is one of four annual awards given by AASHE.
“The 2026 AASHE Sustainability Award recipients reflect the momentum and innovation driving change across higher education. Among their community, these individuals are true changemakers—turning bold ideas into action and setting a powerful example of leadership and impact for the field,” said AASHE Executive Director Meghan Fay Zahniser.
To learn more about AASHE’s Sustainability Awards programs, please visit http://www.aashe.org/get-involved/awards/.