Who We Are

The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities is a regionally focused institute promoting sustainable human flourishing through education, research, and leadership. The institute builds on over a decade of proven success and national renown of the David E. Shi Center for Sustainability and connects campus and community around developing sustainable communities.

Residing in a net-zero, LEED-certified, sustainable showcase home, next to an organic farm in the heart of Furman’s campus, the Shi Institute integrates academics, action, and community partnership. We equip students to lead, do collaborative research that addresses pressing challenges, and work alongside local partners to build a more sustainable campus and resilient communities in the southeast.

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Institute News

Spearheading Organic Viticulture and Defying Agricultural Norms at Paris Mt. Vineyard

When other viticulturists told the owners of Paris Mountain Vineyard and I that it would be impossible to grow grapes one hundred percent organically, we took ‘impossible’ as a challenge to prove them wrong. [caption...

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The Shi Institute in a Snapshot

“So… what is the Shi Institute?” Hi! My name is Maggie Kropf and I am the Communications and Outreach Fellow for the Shi Institute for this summer. This role combines my deep passion for sustainable...

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Welcome 2026 Shi Institute Summer Fellows

Summer is here and while that means slowing down for much of campus, the Shi Institute is alive this season with 17 student sustainability fellows. This cohort - representing 13 distinct academic majors and minors, 8...

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