by Kevin Kirsche
A cohort of University of Georgia staff completed the first-ever Sustainability Leadership Program at UGA, designed to grow leaders, build community, and create positive change.
Fourteen staff members from various disciplines and departments across the University formed the inaugural cohort of changemakers. In this 3-part program, participants learn about a range of sustainability issues and applied solutions underway at UGA, are empowered with leadership and change management training, and put knowledge into practice by developing and implementing projects within their area of influence.
Inaugural cohort participants are already turning ideas into impact. Applied projects include a zero-waste commencement program at the College of Environment + Design, retired hardback book and uniform recycling programs through UGA Libraries and Dining Services, wellbeing programs in UGA Housing and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, a campus-wide Volunteer Unit Sustainability Coordinator Network, and more. Through these projects, dedicated staff are creating an increasingly sustainable and resilient campus community.
The inaugural Sustainability Leadership Program cohort includes:
- Annelie Klein, Graduate Programs Coordinator, College of Environment + Design
- Beverly Vantine, Student Affairs Professional III, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences – Department of Marine Sciences
- Bonnie Klostermann, Assistant Administrative Financial Director, Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
- Gregory Jeffreys, Supervisor, Facilities Management Division – Waste Reduction Services
- India Barfield, Executive Chef and Sustainability Representative, UGA Dining Services
- Jeanette Morgan, Gifts Specialist III, UGA Libraries
- Laurie Kane, Student Services Professional, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences – Department of History
- Lillian Ballance, Marketing & Communications Manager, College of Engineering
- Matt Mundy, Environmental Compliance Specialist, Environmental Safety Division
- Megan Sheridan, Senior Procurement Specialist, Procurement
- Melinda J Pethel, IT Professional, College of Family & Consumer Sciences
- Nicole Jones, Assessment & Accreditation Coordinator, College of Veterinary Medicine – Office of Academic Affairs
- Sam Lovell, Administrative Specialist, College of Veterinary Medicine – Center for Vaccines and Immunology
- Sarah Hatley, Sustainability Coordinator, UGA Housing
The Sustainability Leadership Program is a collaborative effort among the UGA Office of Sustainability, the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, and the UGA Arts Collaborative. The next cohort will begin in September 2025. Click here to learn more about the Sustainability Leadership Program.
