Elisabeth Reed
Elisabeth Reed has been named as program director for Illinois State University’s Office of Sustainability, effective June 3. Reed is currently an instructional assistant professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. An advocate for sustainability and social responsibility across all disciplines, she has incorporated those concepts into her teaching, research, and service to the campus and community.
As program director for Sustainability, Reed will be responsible for facilitating sustainability programs initiated by students, faculty, and staff members; serving as advisor and fiscal agent for the Student Sustainability Committee and associated fund; reporting on the University’s efforts through the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS); and managing interns and graduate assistants who perform research or work on sustainability projects.
“One of my first tasks as sustainability director will be to form an advisory board of campus and community members with diverse perspectives to develop a strategic plan with quickly attainable short-term goals, and visionary long-term goals,” said Reed. “I believe partnerships across campus and within our community are integral to the success of sustainability at Illinois State. I am excited to continue working with our talented students and that this position will allow me to expand upon and contribute to the social good in a profound and meaningful way.”
During her career at Illinois State, Reed has made sustainability a leading theme in her teaching and research. In addition, she has led students on trips to study local recycling and solid waste operations, and sustainability practices in the textile and clothing industries. She has helped establish sustainability efforts, including the popular Fix-it Friday program, in which students provide free basic sewing, mending, and clothing repair services on campus and in the community. Reed also helped form a committee to certify Illinois State as a Fair Trade University through Fair Trade Campaign USA.
“Our strategic plan, Educate Connect Elevate: Illinois State, reminds us of the need to use best practices to continuously improve sustainability and institutional effectiveness,” said Chuck Scott, associate vice president for Facilities Management, Planning, and Operations. “The Office of Sustainability is fortunate to have one of Illinois State’s own faculty move into the director role. Elisabeth Reed will bring a renewed energy to the department through her experiences with on-campus programming and community relationships she has already developed.”
