Western Kentucky University
PAE-1: Sustainability Coordination

The WKU Sustainability Committee has the purpose of creating and advancing a culture of sustainability within the WKU community through education, research, operations, and community partnerships. The WKU Sustainability Committee’s goals and objectives are to: 1) Engage the campus in an ongoing dialogue and sustainability at WKU; 2) Establish common understanding of sustainability and stewardship from which policy can proceed; 3) Develop guiding principles to advance sustainability at WKU; 4) Integrate sustainability into existing programs in education, research, and operations; 5) Change campus energy use behavior and create campus conservation efficiencies; and 6) Reduce energy consumption.

Ms. Christian Ryan-Downing, Sustainability Coordinator Mr. Jason Abston, Energy Management Tech, Staff Council Mr. Dale Dyer, Plant Operations Manager, Facilities Management Mr. Joshua Twardowski, Campus Services Manager, Facilities Management Ms. Nancy Givens, Sustainability Programs Development Coordinator, Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability Mr. David Baskett, Coordinator for Facilities, Housing and Residence Life Dr. Ouida Meier, Faculty, Upper Green River Biological Preserve Director, Center for Biodiversity Studies, Department of Biology Sharmila Pradhan, Manager, Environmental Services, Environment, Health, and Safety Ms. Helen Siewers, Landscape Architect, Planning, Design, and Construction Dr. Jennifer Tougas, Director, Parking and Transportation Dr. Terry Wilson, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Center for Environmental Education and Sustainability Director Ms. Meredith Tooley, Restaurant and Catering Dr. Brian Sullivan, Faculty, Department of Management

It is the mission of the Office of Sustainability to promote a culture of sustainability at WKU, integrating principles of ecological integrity and social equity into academics, practices, and partnerships. Our goal is to ensure that WKU is an institution that provides innovative solutions to global challenges, prepares students as engaged and responsible citizens, and observes best practices in campus operations and services.

The WKU Sustainability Coordinator reports to the Vice President for Campus Operations and Services. Responsibilities include working with staff, faculty and students to advance a culture of sustainability at WKU through development of programs to reduce environmental impacts, providing expertise and guidance to administrators, faculty, staff and students, and developing and organizing workshops, events, and other sustainability programs and activities.