Message from the Chancellor

Message from the Chancellor

November, 2007

John A. White Sustainability is one of today's "buzzwords" in business and education. While there's no agreed upon definition for sustainability, one might loosely translate it as how we impact our surroundings. Institutions throughout our country are turning their attention to becoming better stewards of our environment, mindful of proverbs such as: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

It is the duty of research universities such as the University of Arkansas to lead the way in developing new theories and practices that address the challenges and opportunities presented by sustainability. As a center of learning and innovation, the University brings together highly intelligent and talented people from around the world to originate, encourage and disseminate new ideas. Also, we're uniquely positioned to put our ideas into action.

With this in mind, the University has created the Applied Sustainability Center. The Applied Sustainability Center is an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort that will study recycling, waste reduction and disposal, walkable cities, alternative energy sources and other methods of reducing our imprint on our environment. With the combined expertise of faculty, staff and students throughout campus who have made the commitment to building a sustainable University and society, the center will make a tangible difference. Not only will we become the model of a sustainable university, we will partner with other institutions and companies to reduce their environmental footprint.

The University of Arkansas already has a head start. In recent issues of Research Frontiers, we've learned the University has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts. UA chemical engineering researchers at the Mack-Blackwell National Rural Transportation Study Center are converting chicken fat into biodiesel fuel. Their efforts are leading to biodegradable, non-toxic, renewable and relatively inexpensive alternatives to fossil fuels. Also, we've followed University researchers as they've studied methods of sustaining limited water resources at the Savoy Experimental Watershed.

Dozens of other UA sustainability efforts are underway. Students and faculty with the UA Community Design Center, with Habitat for Humanity, designed a "green" subdivision in Benton County that
features narrower streets and stormwater gardens. They're in the process of designing a similar community in Washington County. Members of the landscape architecture and horticulture departments are experimenting with green roofs that reduce stormwater runoff and street temperatures.

While we're off to a good start, there's much work ahead in building not only a sustainable University of Arkansas, but a sustainable society. The formation of the Applied Sustainability Center is a great step in the right direction. In the coming months and years, we will continue to teach, research and, most importantly, apply the principles of sustainability in all we do as a University.

Sincerely,

John A. White
Chancellor