Patagonia’s chief storyteller comes to campus Nov. 6

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2025) — This week, the University of Kentucky will host Vincent Stanley, Patagonia’s director of philosophy and resident fellow at the Yale Center for Business and Environment, 12:30-1:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Singletary Center for the Arts Recital Hall. 

Stanley will offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the outdoor apparel and gear company is operationalizing the philosophy of “going purpose instead of going public.”  

“Patagonia is a model for how the private sector can take responsibility for the impact of their actions and center the planet as the primary stakeholder in their business operations,” said Shane Tedder, director of sustainability and assistant director of the Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment. “It has taken years to coordinate this opportunity, and I am excited that our students and community have this opportunity to learn first-hand from a global thought leader.” 

A book signing for “The Future of the Responsible Company,” which Stanley co-authored with Yvon Chouinard, will take place following the lecture. 

This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Visitor parking is available at the Gatton Student Center visitor lot Aand the Cornerstone Garage.  

Stanley’s visit is made possible by the support of several UK colleges and campus partners, including: 

• Student Sustainability Council
• Gatton College of Business and Economics
• Lewis Honors College
• College of Design
• Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
  • Retailing and Tourism Management
  • Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
  • The Food Connection
• College of Arts & Sciences’ Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program
• UK Office of Sustainability
• Tracy Farmer Institute for Sustainability and the Environment  

Find more information about the event here.  

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.