Staff
May 25, 2025
Building out the Science Board with the very best the field has to offer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Systems Thinking Standards Institute Appoints Dr. Jennifer Kushner to Science Board
May 27, 2025 — The Systems Thinking Standards Institute (STSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Kushner to its Science Board. Dr. Kushner brings over 30 years of leadership in agriculture, global engagement, education, and evaluation—anchored by a career-long commitment to systemic approaches that create real-world impact.
As Director of CALS Global at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Dr. Kushner leads international research and outreach in agriculture and the life sciences. Her work spans continents and sectors—from water systems in Africa to agricultural innovation in Latin America—always guided by a deep belief in the power of systems thinking to solve complex challenges.
She has held senior roles across academia and government, including service as a state specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Extension and as assistant and interim dean at Edgewood College. She currently serves on the executive committee of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) International Committee on Organization and Policy (ICOP), and on the leadership council for the Globalizing Extension Innovation Network.
Dr. Kushner holds a B.S. in agricultural sciences and an M.S. in adult education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a doctorate in adult education from National-Louis University.
“Jen has been one of the most quietly tireless champions of systems thinking I’ve ever known,” said Dr. Laura Cabrera, Board Chair of STSI. “She has this rare blend of global reach and local grounding. Whether she’s building networks across continents or mentoring young professionals in Wisconsin, she does it with humility, integrity, and a deep systems lens. Her presence on the Science Board is both a gift and a testament to the values we hold dear.”
At STSI, Dr. Kushner will serve alongside a diverse group of systems scientists, cognitive theorists, and applied practitioners who ensure the rigor, relevance, and global scalability of the Global Systems Thinking Standard (STS®).
For more information about STSI and its initiatives, visit www.stsi.pro.