University renews focus on sustainability 

  Tuesday, April 20, 2021 9:30 AM
  Science and Technology, Campus Culture, News

Pittsburg, KS

To coincide with Earth Day this week, Pittsburg State University President Steve Scott has announced a renewed focus and new membership to what previously was known as the University Sustainability Committee. 

“From my very first moments as president, I have worked to bring greater attention and focus to campus sustainability efforts,” Scott said. “While we have made significant progress in construction, operations, and curriculum, it feels like the right time to take an even more forceful step. I am excited about the new configuration and composition of our Sustainability Council, and with its new charge, I am anxious to see us elevate our work even further.” 

Starting next semester, the University Sustainability Council will meet monthly as a whole and other times in smaller subcommittees. The group's primary charge is to develop and facilitate the implementation of the university's sustainability plan, including environmental, economic, and social components.  

Council Chair Jon Bartlow, director of Alumni & Constituent Relations, said the council will address the goal to institutionalize into all university activities the three spheres of sustainability: academic excellence, student success, and partnerships and innovation. 

The council will use a framework developed by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education — it’s called STARS, or Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment and Rating System — for guidance and strategic planning purposes.  

The council will provide advice to the president and university leadership known as President’s Council, including specific actions and policy changes relating to sustainability. And, the council will monitor the implementation of the university’s sustainability plan, meet quarterly with the president to discuss progress, encourage and endorse education programs and professional development opportunities, and advocate for resources to support university sustainability initiatives. 

“I am excited to see Pitt State renew its focus and broaden the scope of sustainability on our campus,” Bartlow said. “Even through challenging economic times, we have been lucky to have a great supporter in Dr. Scott.” 

In addition, a new graduate assistantship has been created that will assist the council and have an important role in the STARS program. The position, which will report to Bartlow and Jim Triplett, special assistant to the president for sustainability, will be filled by Emerson Tice for 2021-22. Tice will be a graduate student majoring in communication. 

Council membership will include: 

• Jon Bartlow, chair (Alumni & Constituent Relations) 
• Jim Triplett, special assistant to the president (Chair Emeritus, Biology) 
• Catherine Hooey (Coordinator, SSRM/Geography) 
• Alicia Mason (SSRM, Communication) 
• Christine Brodsky (Biology) 
• Rick Hardy (HHPR/Recreation) 
• Eric Mayer (ETECH) 
• Jesse Briscoe (Housing) 
• Tonya Pentola (Physical Plant) 
• Delia Lister (Biology/Nature Reach) 
• Marc Daczewitz (Teaching & Leadership) 
• Brian Schulz (Sodexo Food Service) 
• Emely Flores (Office of Student Diversity) 
• Jason Manderscheid (Grounds) 
• Elliot Rowland (Building Trades) 
• Matthew Lunde (Marketing) 
• Traci Hughes (GIT) 
• Jason Lloyd (Psychology) 
• Goldie Pregolar (Family Consumer Science) 
• Lindell Haverstick (University Architect)

Academics 

Pittsburg State University also offers a unique sustainability focused bachelor’s degree in integrated studies: Sustainability, Society & Resource Management — the only program of its kind in Kansas.