Tempest Williams is best known for her book "Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place," which the College assigned as summer reading for the Class of 2008.
Her most recent work, "The Open Space of Democracy," published in 2004, charts the nature of democracy as viewed through the lenses of a trip to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and a community's effort to combat development.
"Democracy demands we listen. It asks us to remain open to possibility," Tempest Williams said.
This is the third visit to the College for the Utah native.
The Montgomery Fellow will be delivering a lecture to the public entitled, "Circles of Community: From Castle Valley to Rwanda," on Feb. 21, at 4:30 p.m. in Filene Auditorium.
"I want to focus on the nature of community where we live and where we choose to visit and how transformation occurs at home and abroad if we allow ourselves to be open to what needs to be done," Tempest Williams said.
Tempest Williams will also meet with various classes and groups on campus.
Arjun Heimsath, an assistant professor in the Earth Sciences department, is looking forward to her visit to his earth history class.
"I am excited because she is a passionate advocate for the health of our natural resources," Heimsath said.
"Terry is a writer that I think students connect with and relate to incredibly well. The message she is conveying, about how important it is for us to take care of our planet, is a message I wish everyone in our country could hear," Heimsath said.
"So if Dartmouth students hear it and understand it and embrace it, they will carry her message forward into whatever they do in their lives to make this world a better place."
Tempest Williams' writing is distinctive because it puts environmental issues at the forefront. She considers the interdisciplinary nature of her work to be fundamentally important and is working to create an Environmental Humanities program at the University of Utah.
"If there is an antidote to fragmentation, I think it is this integration of disciplines. Environmental issues are not marginalized because we realize they are social issues, they are economic issues, which are ultimately issues of justice," Tempest Williams said.
Heimsath agreed, and added, "Since humans provide a principle force on the planet, gaining her perspective is a valuable part of an earth sciences class whether it's introductory or advanced."
Besides visiting classes and presenting a public lecture, Tempest Williams also looks forward to meeting with students in open house evenings at the Montgomery House.
Each Wednesday during the month of February, students are invited for dessert and discussion at 7 p.m.
"I really want to listen and hear what the students are thinking," Tempest Williams said. "I want to be available for conversation and discussion -- to be present and to be a presence."
