University of Mississippi
PA-1: Sustainability Coordination

The University of Mississippi Office of Sustainability was established in July 2008. It consists of a director, three full time staff members and a cohort of student interns. The mission of the Office of Sustainability is to be a catalyst for environmentally positive change by educating, connecting, and empowering the members of our community for the well-being of people and our ecological systems. The office coordinates programming, educational tools, outreach, service projects, events, data collection and more on the topics of food, waste reduction, recycling, social sustainability, energy, campus planning, sustainable transportation and social sustainability.

The Office of Sustainability functions in many senses as the mechanism for broad sustainability coordination across the University of Mississippi campus. The office played a key role in striping new bike lanes on campus in place of what had previously been on-street parking in 2017, and convenes the Active Transportation Advisory Committee, which is comprised of students, faculty and staff from multiple disciplines. The Office of Sustainability is responsible for the university’s Bicycle Friendly University designation and implements projects recommended by the League of American Bicyclists. The office is also the liaison with the City of Oxford Recycling Department, through which all campus recycling is processed, and all units on campus. Recycling educational efforts by the office were recognized in 2017 by the Mississippi Recycling Coalition. Additionally, the Office of Sustainability has implemented new recycling educational signage in residence halls and played a key role in the installation of 23 new water bottle refill stations across campus. The Office of Sustainability also facilitates the UM Energy Committee, which takes a broad and holistic look at campus energy use and compiles recommendations for administration, several of which administration has funded. In this capacity, the office purchased the university’s first-ever renewable energy certificates in 2016. The office also maintains and updates the university’s greenhouse gas inventory, distributes the annual commuter behaviors survey and administers other topical surveys as needed. Additional notable accomplishments include hosting regular events including a panel discussion titled “Something in Our Water: Perspectives on Flint, Jackson and Environmental Racism in America,” as well as “Neighborhood Table: A Community Meal,” an event at which community members were invited to discuss food insecurity issues in the area.

This position directs and manages the sustainability efforts of the University. The incumbent manages the daily operations of the Office of Sustainability, oversees program developments and plans and directs events to raise awareness of sustainability.

This position manages department activities, programs, and projects. The incumbent participates in the development and administration of objectives and strategic goals, serves as the professional liaison to internal and external constituents, and builds collaborative relationships supporting project activities.

This one-year assignment may be extended for a maximum of two years. This position assists in the performance of career-specific duties to support the development, coordination, and operation of sustainability programs and projects, while developing skills and abilities.