May 2019 Appalachian Connections message

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

Appalachian Connections
May 2019

Message from Chancellor Sheri Everts

With Earth Month just behind us and the semester coming to a close, I am most mindful of our dedication to higher learning and the intentional use of our resources. As our graduating seniors prepare to move out into the world, we recognize environmental, economic and social resiliency will play a crucial role in their future and the quality of life they can expect.

As a community, we support social and economic equity and good stewardship of our environment. We strive to model these values for our students. “Every day at Appalachian is Earth Day” is more than a headline: This news feature and photo gallery highlight your students’ commitment to the many sustainable initiatives on our campus and beyond — from cleaning a river during an Alternative Service Experience and installing a solar streetlamp in a remote Peruvian village, to participating in our annual FEaST to bring attention to sustainable food issues.

Sustainability is also integral to our academic mission:

  • Our university was the first in the nation to offer degree programs in renewable energy and sustainable development.
  • More than half of Appalachian’s students report they choose our university because of our commitment to sustainability.
  • 876 academic courses incorporate sustainability into the course curriculum.

At the leadership level, we are examining policies and procedures that will refine our long-term commitments to clean energy on campus, zero waste and carbon neutral status. Our students’ future and that of their families guide our mission.

In July, Appalachian will host the eighth annual Appalachian Energy Summit, an initiative that has provided a platform through which UNC System campuses have worked together to avoid almost $800 million in utility costs — significant savings that positively impact taxpayers in our state.

I’d like to close by thanking you for your unprecedented support during the May 2 #iBackApp fundraising day.

Congratulations to our May graduates and their families. For all, my best wishes for the summer months — I hope to see many of you for our Founders Day celebration Sept. 5.