Michael Nelson, associate professor of philosophy, and W. John Coletta, professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, have contributed essays for a recently published book, "Fifty Key Thinkers on the Environment."

In 1973 UWSP began one of the first environmental studies programs in not only the country but also the world. J. Baird Callicott, then a professor of philosophy at UWSP, was the founder of the interdisciplinary program emphasizing humanities and social science approaches toward natural resources. Today that tradition continues with Nelson and Coletta in UWSP�s College of Letters and Science.

From Aristotle to Wisconsin�s Aldo Leopold, the 321-page book is a modern day view of some of the greatest environmental thinkers in history. Nelson authored essays on Callicott and Lynn White Jr. (1907-87) while Coletta contributed essays on William Wordsworth (1770-1850) and John Clare (1793-1864).

"The College of Letters and Science remains a force in environmental studies as a former UWSP professor joins us in this milestone project," said Nelson. "It is a tribute to Callicott�s pioneering work here while recognizing that others have taken up his charge here at L&S. That tradition continues today as we not only offer his original environmental studies curriculum but have added an environmental ethics major as well."

Nelson oversees the new environmental ethics concentration within the philosophy major. He hopes the program will allow interested students to broaden their opportunities in this field of study.

Coletta coordinates the environmental studies program first begun by Callicott. "This is a passing of the torch in some ways and our students are the beneficiary of this program�s continued success," said Coletta. "UWSP students are indeed fortunate as we endeavor to build on the college�s visionary approach to environmental studies."

Prior to joining UWSP�s faculty in 1990, Coletta was an instructor of English at the University of Oregon. He received his bachelor�s from State University of New York at Cortland. He earned master�s degrees from George Williams College in Illinois and the University of Alaska at Anchorage. Coletta completed his Ph.D. in English at the University of Oregon in 1989.

Nelson received his bachelor�s in philosophy, with a concentration in religious studies at UWSP in 1988. He received his master�s in philosophy at Michigan State University and his doctorate in 1998 from Lancaster University, England. His area of specialization is ethics and environmental philosophy.

Callicott contributed essays on Black Elk (1862-1950) and Aldo Leopold (1887-1948). He joined the UWSP faculty in 1969 and now teaches philosophy at the University of North Texas.

Joy Palmer, professor of education and pro-vice chancellor at the University of Durham, England, edited the book. Routledge Publishing published it in both London and New York. The book can be ordered through Little Professor Bookstore or Book World, both in Stevens Point,or from the University Store on campus.

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