Rob Walton, philanthropist and former chairman of Walmart, has made a $115 million donation to Arizona State University (ASU) to establish the Rob Walton School of Conservation Futures. This contribution marks the largest single gift in ASU’s history. The announcement was made during Climate Week in New York alongside ASU President Michael Crow.
The funding, provided by the Rob Walton Foundation as part of ASU’s Changing Futures campaign, will also result in renaming the College of Global Futures to the Rob Walton College of Global Futures. The new school is designed to prepare future leaders in conservation and sustainability.
“It is a worthy honor for all that Rob has done,” said Michael Crow, president of ASU. “His long-standing support has been critically important to ASU’s leadership and growth in sustainability. He shares our institutional belief that there is an urgent need to tackle the challenges facing our planet — as well as an unbelievable opportunity to find new solutions by dedicating our time, creativity and resources to the task.”
Walton’s gift will fund several initiatives within the new school: it will create a named chair position, three professorships for research and professional development, and a scholarship fund called Rob Walton Scholars offering full and partial scholarships.
Peter Schlosser, vice president and vice provost of Global Futures at ASU, stated: “The Rob Walton School of Conservation Futures is redefining conservation science to address the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Through its central mission of transforming conservation education for a thriving planetary future, this new academic entity is not just preserving ecosystems — it is developing adaptive solutions to ensure sustainable pathways for future generations.”
Set to launch in late 2025 with its Conservation Futures Academy program, the school plans training programs and certificates targeting high school students, working professionals, corporate executives, conservation organizations, government agencies, and related industries worldwide. These offerings aim to support efforts such as conserving 30% of terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030—a goal that requires specialized skills across sectors.
Long-term plans include expanding into undergraduate and graduate degrees along with global partnerships for career pathways in conservation. The school intends to work closely with employers and practitioners on inclusive workforce development.
Peter Seligmann, chairman emeritus and former CEO of Conservation International—which he co-founded—emphasized collaboration: “Solving the planet’s greatest conservation challenges requires the wisdom, innovation and leadership of people from all corners of the world. By bringing together diverse, place-inspired solutions and perspectives, we can spark transformative action that extends far beyond any single region.”
This initiative is part of ASU’s Changing Futures campaign focusing on enhancing education access; developing leaders; promoting sustainability; strengthening communities; advancing health; and impactful technology development.
“The launch of this new School of Conservation Futures at Arizona State University is a vital step in growing the next generation of global leaders to create a future that ensures that nature and people thrive together.”
Walton expressed his vision for scalable solutions: “Conservation often starts at the local level, but to make a difference, solutions have to scale,” he said. “Organizations like Conservation International and African Parks have done a great job scaling successful local models to a global level. Nature doesn’t recognize borders — protecting our planet’s ecosystems for the long term requires international collaboration.”
Gretchen Buhlig, CEO of the ASU Foundation for a New American University added: “We are incredibly grateful for this transformational investment from Rob Walton and his unwavering support of ASU and planetary health… This gift will accelerate ASU’s work with global partners by enabling them to collaborate and co-design… cutting-edge conservation education…”
Walton emphasized private-sector involvement: “One of the biggest gaps is leadership. We know what solutions work… But without enough skilled leaders… we won’t make progress we need. Successful conservation requires working within cultural and political systems…” He hopes learners from various backgrounds—including nontraditional students—will use these programs as stepping stones toward advanced degrees or professional roles.
Reflecting on his relationship with Crow since joining ASU two decades ago Walton said: “He spoke about three fundamental things that he believed university must be: It must be accessible; it must represent excellence; it must be in—and—of—the community.”
He added about students’ role: “Students bring fresh ideas energy innovation… By getting involved now — through research advocacy or fieldwork — they gain skills drive real change…”
Other voices echoed support:
Daniela Raik (Conservation International): “Conservation is not work single field discipline…The School…will help define next generation…expand what means be one…”
Nancy Gonzales (ASU executive vice president): “This historic investment…cements Rob Walton’s legacy…ASU honored steward this gift…”
Miki Kittilson (dean): “Next generation…will need different types skills knowledge…”
Melissa Nelson (professor): “This school promises transform understanding human-nature relationship by co-creating new approach…highlighting Indigenous peoples’ long-term environmental knowledge…”
Arizona State University has been recognized repeatedly for its innovative approaches according to U.S News & World Report, earning top honors as number one in innovation over eight consecutive years.
