University of Connecticut – North Atlantic Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

An environmental science class taught along the Fenton River. Image credit: Sean Flynn/UConn Photo.

Late in 1880, brothers Charles and Augustus Storrs donated land and money to start an agricultural school in Connecticut. More than 130 years later, the University of Connecticut has become one of the top 20 public universities in the nation. The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, a land and sea grant institution with more than 32,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses and multidisciplinary centers and institutes. Of particular importance is the recently created “Institute of the Environment”, dedicated to engaging all disciplinary facets and sectors of the university in research, education and engagement regarding the environment and sustainability. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society. UConn joined the NAC CESU in 2014.