FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009
Contact:
Lalena Price,
Communications Coordinator,
304-746-1989
Marshall University creates
Sustainability Department;
Margie J. Phillips to lead
environmental efforts
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University has established a Sustainability Department and has appointed Margie J. Phillips to lead the University’s environmental and energy efficiency efforts, Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp announced today.
Phillips has served as Marshall University’s Energy Analyst for more than 12 years. She began her job as Sustainability Manager this week.
Kopp said the Sustainability Department at Marshall will help the University look for ways to conserve water and energy, reduce waste and incorporate green technologies and materials into its planning and operations.
“Universities can have a significant, positive impact on the environment through the incorporation of sustainable practices. We are under increasing pressure from our governments, students and communities to lessen our environmental footprint and we take that obligation seriously,” Kopp said. “It is important for Marshall to have an accessible office with a leader who will keep us moving forward as we look for ways to become more environmentally sustainable.
“This goal is more than just what type of light bulbs we purchase or the volume of paper we recycle. Those things are important, but I am certain that the economic, social and environmental benefits of a sustainable Marshall University will reach far beyond the physical boundaries of our campuses and into our communities, region and, ultimately, our state. I am excited to see the effect that this department office will have on the entire Marshall University Community.”
Phillips has been affiliated with Marshall University since 1977 as a student, staff or part-time faculty member. She earned a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995, a master’s degree in safety in 1996, and currently is pursuing an Education Specialist degree in adult and technical education with a minor in environmental geography.
Phillips will be involved in all aspects of sustainability on campus encouraging environmental responsibility in every corner of the University from purchasing decisions to landscaping and cleaning products to lighting fixtures. She said she is particularly excited to work with environmentally passionate students to develop worthwhile energy-saving initiatives.
“My pledge is to continue to research and develop methods to save energy while enhancing and preserving the environment for our community,” Phillips said. “I’ve seen the desire to be environmentally responsible in our students; I hear it in the voices of our faculty and staff; and I know we can work together to discover feasible ways to lessen the environmental footprint of the University.”
Mark Cutlip, director of Marshall University’s Physical Plant, says Phillips’ promotion to Sustainability Manager is a natural progression for her and a great fit for the University.
“She has been tracking utility usage and researching ways to save on utility costs since she started at Marshall,” Cutlip said. “She has saved the University thousands of dollars and has obtained several grants to finance energy efficiency projects on the Huntington Campus. She dearly loves Marshall University and has a passion for environmental responsibility and I am certain she will inspire good environmental stewardship in all of us.”
The Sustainability Department will be located within the University’s Physical Plant. A portion of Phillips’ salary will come from the student-initiated Green Fee, which was proposed by members of the Student Sierra Coalition and the Student Government Association during an SGA-sanctioned election in 2008. The initiative was presented by President Kopp on behalf of the students and passed by the Board of Governors this summer. The $5 student fee also will be used to fund sustainability projects on campus. A group of students, faculty and staff, called the Greening Marshall Committee, will make recommendations for projects to Phillips.
For more information, contact Phillips at 304-696-2992.
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