2014 Special Projects Intern Joins Endowment

Coleman Allums, a recent graduate of Furman University, Greenville, SC, is the 2014-2015 Special Project Intern at the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (the Endowment).  He will work with the Endowment for one year beginning immediately.

Allums graduated cum laude from Furman in May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sustainability Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics.  During his time at Furman, Allums was heavily involved with the Shi Center for Sustainability as a Mellon Fellow and Student Farm Manager.  He has had significant roles in multiple long-term research initiatives at Furman, all of which sought to integrate analyses of conservation and resource use with sociopolitical and economic considerations.  As an Endowment Intern, Allums will draw heavily upon this work, as well as previous work with the City of Decatur, GA, the City of Greenville, SC, and the Atlanta Local Food Initiative.

“Interns are an integral part of the Endowment’s work and function,” said Peter Stangel, Senior Vice President.  “They bring fresh thinking, high energy, and new perspectives to our business. Each intern undertakes an independent project that advances some aspect of our work, while also sharpening their skills.  We are delighted to have someone with Coleman’s experience as part of our team.”

About his work with the Endowment, Allums said, “I am excited and honored to have been selected as the new Intern at the Endowment.  I am eager to put my skills and experience to work for an organization that demonstrates such commitment to practical sustainability and meaningful policy.”

Since the Endowment’s inception in late 2006, the formal internship program has played a vital role in retaining a lean staff model, while simultaneously offering hands-on experience to newly-minted professionals.  Furman University has been the source of the largest number of interns to date.