The Norton School of Human Ecology: A New Name, A Renewed Mission

The Norton School’s acclaimed programs in Retailing and Consumer Science and Family Studies and Human Development have a long tradition of excellence within the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. This fall the school will celebrate a name change and become the Norton School of Human Ecology.

You may be asking yourself, what is human ecology?

Simply put, it’s about big questions:

How can we strengthen family relationships and support underserved or under-resourced communities? How can people and families better weather financial uncertainty? How can fashion, retail and consumer practices become more sustainable in the face of changing economic and environmental climates? How can we live our best lives while creating a better and more sustainable future?

“The name Human Ecology more accurately aligns with the current direction and goals of the Norton School,” said Laura Scaramella, the school’s director. “It places people within their larger ecological systems—looking at how they contribute to and are influenced by their relationships, communities, environments, and the wider society.”

Read the full announcement Norton School of Human Ecology: A new name, a renewed mission