Orange, Black and Green

On campus, staff and faculty can often be the best resources for getting involved with sustainability. As the biggest leaders of what's going on in the classroom or throughout campus, these people know the direct impact of sustainability on our campus.

Contact Information:

Paul Manstrom, Director of Facilities Management
Paul.Manstrom@kzoo.edu
(269) 337-7308

As the Director of Facilities Management, Paul Manstrom oversees renovations, new construction, and building operations.  Paul has worked tirelessly with students, staff, faculty, and the administration to implement the requirements of the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.

Binney Girdler, Associate Professor of Biology and Co-Director of Environmental Studies Program
Binney.Girdler@kzoo.edu
(269) 337-5977

Dr. Girdler received her B.A. from the University of Virginia before heading to Yale University for a Master's in Environmental Studies and then a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.  She studies invasive species, restoration ecology, biodiversity monitoring, biofuels, and local food systems.  Beyond integrating sustainability in her teaching and research, Girdler has 10 years of experiencing working with community partners on conservation biology and other environmental issues.  She is currently completing research in Thailand and on plant communities in Northern Michigan through a grant from the National Science Foundation. 

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Ahmed Hussen, Professor of Economics and Business, Co-director of Environmental Studies Program
Ahmed.Hussen@kzoo.edu
(269) 337-7025

Dr. Hussen is an expert in environmental and natural resource economics and the author of Principles of Environmental Economics.  Hussen is currently working on the third edition of the textbook.  He completed undergraduate studies at Lewis and Clark College and then received his Master's and Ph.D. from Oregon State University.

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Rachel Wood, Staff Liaison to the Sustainability Guild
rachel.wood@kzoo.edu
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbwood

As Staff Liaison to the Sustainability Guild, Rachel Wood researches alumni/community professionals and opportunities related to the field of sustainability that may be of interest to Kalamazoo College students, and helps provide both face-to-face and virtual opportunities for those two constituents to make connections.

Rob Townsend, Director of the Recycling Department
Robert.Townsend@kzoo.edu
(269) 337-7254

Rob Townsend has served as the Director of the Recycling Department since 1992.  He has a keen ability to connect with students and work in conjunction with student organizations.  Since then, he has expanded the department to include a resource recovery room, a bike-rental program, and an e-waste program.  He also led K-College to a Grand Champion title in the 2008 RecycleMania competition.

Alison Geist, Director of the Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Institute for Service-Learning
Alison.Geist@kzoo.edu
(269) 337-7432

 Alison Geist heads the Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Institute for Service-Learning.  Geist began working at K-College in 1997 and played an instrumental role in establishing the Institute for Service-Learning with faculty and community partners.  Under her leadership, the Institute has developed several programs that incorporate sustainability, ranging from community gardens, to programs focusing on migrant public health and pesticide outreach, and supporting the Farms to K student group in bringing local food to campus.  Geist has also mentored several students in sustainability-related research and grant projects.

Trace Redmond, Sustainability Intern
Trace.Redmond09@kzoo.edu

Rebecca Cummins-Lanter, Sustainability Intern
Rebecca.Cummins-Lanter09@kzoo.edu

Alicia Pettys, Sustainability Intern
Alicia.Pettys09@kzoo.edu

 Trace, Rebecca, and Alicia are currently sustainability interns (2012-13) and are responsible for maintaining the Orange, Black, and Green webpage as well as implementing sustainability projects around campus.