UALR’s Sustainability Committee began meeting last week in anticipation of next year’s increased focus on responsible stewardship of the University’s resources.

A variety of sustainability initiatives are already in place such as the Coleman Creek Greenway Project and enhanced recycling and energy-saving measures throughout campus. The committee will identify, evaluate, and recommend measures the University should adopt in the interest of campus sustainability, including how best to spend an annual budget allocation for sustainability. They also will take steps to inform, educate, and encourage all members of the University community – students, faculty, and staff – regarding steps we can take as individuals to conserve resources and protect the environment.

Committee members bring a variety of backgrounds and individual expertise. Although membership will normally be for a period of three years, the first group will draw for terms of one, two, or three years to establish the rotation of appointments. Committee members are:

• Nancy Landrum, Chair – Associate Professor, Management
• Jan Austin – Director, Office of Campus Life
• Mo Bakr – Professor and Chair, Engineering Technology
• Chris Benson – Director, Arkansas Energy Office
• Jamey Jones – Assistant Professor, Earth Sciences
• Barbara L’Eplattenier – Professor, Rhetoric and Writing
• Jacek Lubecki – Assistant Professor, Political Science
• Mike Shepherd – Purchasing Director
• Robin Sipes – Mechanical Engineer, Physical Plant
• Tonya Smith – Public Relations Coordinator, Communications
• Sandra Vail – Assistant Director, Physical Plant-Plant Maintenance
• Minnie Walker – Program Coordinator, Graduate School

In addition to the members listed above, the Student Government Association, Graduate Student Association, and the Bowen Law School Student Association will be invited each year to nominate a committee member for a one-year term. The group will meet once monthly.