In July 2014, Appalachian State University hosted the third Appalachian Energy Summit. Campus leaders from the 17 North Carolina public institutions and six private university partners convened to share best practices. Chancellor Sheri N. Everts addressed the event participants in a videotaped message on July 28, 2014.

Transcript

Dr. Sheri N. Everts - Good Evening and welcome to the third Appalachian Energy Summit. I am Sheri Everts, Chancellor of Appalachian State University, and I am honored to bring greetings to each of you, and to recognize the importance of this initiative. The Summit provides opportunities for professional engagement with colleagues from across the state, a model for collaboration, and a real and powerful path to a more sustainable future for higher education in North Carolina. The work accomplished through this initiative has garnered national attention, and we are proud to join with you, our colleagues across the state, in developing policies and procedures that will benefit our state for years to come.

Appalachian prepares students to lead purposeful lives as engaged global citizens who understand their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. Indeed, the important work accomplished through this initiative not only benefits our institutions but also engages our students in real world research that yields meaningful results. At Appalachian we work diligently to keep three facets of sustainability in mind as we go about meeting our mission: 1) is the action economically sustainable? 2) is the action in line with our commitment to take care of the planet? and 3) is the action equitable for the people with whom we share the planet?

Sustainability at Appalachian State University is not a trend, it is a tradition. One has only to look at programs like the Renewable Energy Initiative. REI is a student-led effort funded by a fee proposed and voted upon by our students. I am pleased to be recording this message in Appalachian Hall – one of Appalachian’s newest buildings under consideration for LEED certification and part of the Brad and Carole Wilson Honors and Engagement Community. Summit Hall, the residence hall connected to this building, hosts a commercial-scale solar thermal system funded by REI.

This example of campus innovation is just one of many on our campus and on campuses across the state. I commend you for your leadership in sustainable energy and for the work you do each day to move this initiative forward. Such commitment to research, creativity, innovation and practice is making a difference now and for our future. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for being a critical part of this amazing and beneficial collaboration.

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Related links

• Appalachian Energy Summit
• Third Appalachian Energy Summit guides UNC system’s energy future - Appalachian Magazine, July 24, 2014