Dr. Deborah Steketee joined the Sustainable Business Program in the Fall of 2005, bringing an interest and expertise related to the social dimensions of natural resources management. She teaches several core SB courses, including Sustainable Energy Systems (SB 200), Building Social Capital (SB 315) and Environmental Regulatory Compliance (SB 202) as well as courses in the Sustainable Business concentration of the AQ Master in Management program.Dr. Steketee also serves as executive director of the Center for Sustainability at Aquinas College, helping to connect our SB expertise with the needs of businesses.

Dr. Steketee completed her doctoral work in public policy and political science in 2006 at Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Her research focused on cross-scale linkages between ecological and social systems, specifically examining the role of environmental organizations in community forestry initiatives in Ecuador. She earned her Master of Science degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Steketee's teaching experience also includes undergraduate and graduate courses in environmental studies, environmental policy, geography and international development as well as continuing education workshops and seminars. Dr. Steketee has also been employed as an environmental advocate and educator, television producer, and magazine editor. Strongly committed to community service, Dr..Steketee continues to be actively engaged in various community and sustainability-related activities and initiatives.

Born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Dr. Steketee enjoys exploring the Thornapple River by canoe with her husband, Fred, their young daughter, and the family's exuberant springer spaniel.