Stephen Polk head shot

Stephen Polk

Core Associate Professor

BA Environmental Studies

EDUCATION:

MA, Political Science University of Colorado Denver; BA, Political Science University of Colorado Denver; Diplomat of Permaculture Design in the fields of Education and Human Rights from the Permaculture Institute.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

BA Environmental Studies

COURSES TAUGHT:

ENV260, Introduction to Permaculture / ENV342, Permaculture Design / ENV207, History of the Environmental Movement / COR440, Capstone II / Courses previously offered COR220, Community Based Learning and Action / ENV625, Human Rights & Global Justice

Stephen Polk, MA. Stephen has been active politically, socially, and ecologically for the last two decades. Based in the Denver Metro area, he received his MA from the University of Colorado Denver in Political Science. His Master’s thesis analyzed the political and practical dimensions of permaculture within Denver’s cooperative housing community, the community in which he has called home since 2004. Stephen has worked primarily on a community level addressing issues ranging from anti-oppression and truly affordable housing, to the construction of regenerative systems in communal settings. Stephen is an Assistant Professor in the BA Environmental Studies Program.

PUBLICATIONS:

  • Polk, S. (2020) “Food Justice, Permaculture, and Global Urban Strategy”, in Globalism and Localization: Emergent Solutions to our Ecological and Social Crises. Canty, J. ed. London, New York: Routledge Press.
  • “Stephen Polk: A City by and for the People.” (2017) Pilot Light, The Official Blog Of Naropa University.
  • “Germinate: A beginning” (2018) -Co-founder of the podcast and featured in numerous episodes on how to design and build a permaculture paradise in an urban setting

YOU ARE READY.

This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024.  All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.

Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.

Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.

As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.  

Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors.  Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.