University of Arkansas Appoints Full-Time Executive Director of Office for Sustainability

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Marty Matlock, director of the office for sustainability.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Marty Matlock, professor of biological and agricultural engineering, has been appointed to serve full time as executive director for the University of Arkansas office for sustainability.

Enhancing and building upon existing strengths in sustainability is a priority at the university, and to that end, Provost Sharon Gaber and Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Mike Johnson announced Matlock’s full-time appointment this week.

Matlock was appointed quarter time to that position in July 2012. In the past year the office for sustainability has expanded activities in response to the growing vision of sustainability across the U of A community. In addition to the ongoing efforts to reduce campus energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, Matlock will assume oversight of the academic program in sustainability, which currently consists of a minor and graduate certificate in sustainability, administered by Steve Boss, a professor of environmental dynamics, and Tehar Messadi, a professor of architecture.

“I am pleased that we are organizing our sustainability efforts to showcase our leading role in this area,” said Gaber.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to serve the UA community as we explore sustainable strategies and technologies to increase our common prosperity,” Matlock said. “This is truly a community effort. With guidance from the Sustainability Council we have implemented student-led programs and projects that increase efficiency and reduce impacts.”

The provost’s Sustainability Council, composed of representatives from each unit across campus, advises the office for sustainability activities. Students, faculty and staff contribute through participation in sustainability workgroups focused on the built, managed, natural, social, and academic environments. These workgroups oversee a number of innovative projects led by students and faculty, including an urban forest ecosystem services assessment for campus, development of an energy use assessment tool for U of A buildings, and demonstration of alternative energy systems for everyday student life.

Over the past year Matlock worked with Johnson and Carlos Ochoa, director of the office of sustainability, to organize the Sustainability House, 238 Harmon Ave., as a central location for campus sustainability programs. They created the Sustainability Internship Program to support campuswide programs, and have been working with the Associated Student Government, University Housing, and registered student organizations to define and implement priority projects.

The office of sustainability is also responsible for annual sustainability reporting, including the AASCHE STARS report and the American University and College President’s Climate Commitment Climate Action Plan. The Sustainability Council workgroups are revising and updating the Climate Action Plan this fall.

Matlock is a professor in the biological and agricultural engineering department, a registered professional engineer, a board-certified environmental engineer in sustainable design, and an internationally recognized expert in sustainability metrics and assessment.

His collaboration with the U of A Community Design Center has resulted in more than 20 national and international sustainability design awards. Matlock’s research focus is development of a global platform for science-based, outcome-driven, transparent metrics for sustainable production of consumer-packaged goods. Matlock serves as chair of the Environmental Protection Commission for the Cherokee Nation and was recognized in 2011 by the Arkansas Alumni Association with the Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award for Service. He joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas in 2001.

For more information on the office for sustainability, visit sustainability.uark.edu or contact them at sustain@uark.edu.