When I joined Eastern Michigan University’s President’s Commission on Sustainability last year, I stepped into a legacy of progress. Established in 2018 by President James Smith, the commission was created to evaluate and elevate EMU’s sustainability initiatives—and it didn’t take long to make its mark.
The founding members, led by Professor Dr. Thomas Kovacs of the Geography & Geology Department, and the ENVI program, achieved a major milestone: earning EMU certification through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s STARS Rating System (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System). That initial push put EMU on the map as a campus committed to environmental stewardship. We’re now led by Ron Rich, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology and Sustainability Manager, Meaghan Gavagan.
Current projects include green spaces on campus, a revamp of our energy systems, and the launch of a sustainability dashboard to track progress in real time. These projects exemplify how EMU is putting itself on the map for green colleges and universities!
My role as a commissioner involves gathering data across multiple categories to maintain and improve our STARS certification from bronze to silver—a task that’s been far more fascinating than it sounds. Digging into the numbers has revealed the incredible breadth of EMU’s outreach and community service, from the growing food waste reduction program to the Engage Thankful free thanksgiving meal pick up to the hundreds of hours of service completed by the Honors College. EMU unites students and faculty in sustainability and community service efforts!
Looking ahead, the commission’s work is expanding. Once we complete our STARS application in an effort to raise our standing, and continue our certification with the AASHE, we look forward to facilitating new and exciting projects and pathways for the commission.
Being part of this commission has deepened my appreciation for the collaborative spirit at EMU. It’s inspiring to see how so many departments and programs contribute to a greener campus—and I’m excited to help guide what’s next.
Stay tuned for updates as we turn these bold visions into reality!
Photo descriptions:
Top of page: The green space featured in this image is taking the place of the former Jones-Goddard residence halls and Brown-Munson apartments, and was open this December! Photo Credit: EMU Today
Above: PEA Group Rendering of additional enhancements at the Jones Goddard site as of August 2025
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