Dodd Galbreath 

Institute for Sustainable Practice

Professor and Director, Institute of Sustainable Practice

Biography

In the Fall of 2007, Professor Galbreath founded the Institute for Sustainable Practice, the Southeast's first, comprehensive, academic sustainability program. As the director of graduate programs, his teaching primarily focuses on Earth systems and applied and advanced sustainability. Professor Galbreath has studied sustainability throughout the United States, China, and eight European countries. Four mayors of Nashville (4 D) and three Tennessee governors (2 R and 1 D) have appointed Professor Galbreath to leadership roles. He currently serves as chair of the Metro Nashville Stormwater Management Committee and on a mayoral sustainability advisory committee. At the state level, he serves as the chair of the Tennessee Board of Water Quality, Oil and Gas representing environmental interests. Before coming to Lipscomb, Professor Galbreath created one of Tennessee's first corporate sustainability consulting practices at URS Corporation. While serving two governors of both parties, he led the passage of six state laws to manage surface and groundwater use, designate a state scenic river, and restore natural rivers and wetlands. He also co-chaired one of the nation's first, state environmental justice plans. Over his 40-year career, Professor Galbreath also served in the federal government, at three university research centers, and received two statewide leadership awards. He was recently awarded the Roberts Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award from the governor and commissioner of the environment for Tennessee.