Learning and Practicing Environmentally Sustainable Living are priorities at NC A&T State University.  Meeting basic human needs now and in the future will require a major shift in the relationship of humans to the natural environment.  That shift will involve all of society's institutions, including higher education.

The Waste Management Institute (WMI)

The Waste Management Institute (Interdisciplinary) was approved by the General Administration of the University of North Carolina in June 1994. The WMI is an academic support unit with environmental research and public service functions.  The mission of the WMI is two-fold: (1) Enhance awareness and understanding of environmental and waste management issues and (2) Enhance collaborative environmental instruction, research, and outreach which are needed to improve the quality of Life and protect the environment.  Waste Management is the KEY to "Innovation, Creativity, and Productivity".

The WMI administers a Certificate program in Waste Management for all academic majors of the University.  Additionally, the WMI is a leader in funded collaborative environmental programs ($2 million for WMI infrastructure and $18 million for the inter-institutional (A&T, UNC-CH, NCSU, and UT-Austin) Science and Technology Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes).

2000 Sustainability Initiatives at North Carolina A&T State University

Hazardous and Chemical Waste Disposal

North Carolina A&T State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its staff, students, and the public.  The University is committed to safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals.  Hazardous materials are monitored and handled by trained professionals.  The University has a strong recycling program.

78 Students Receive Waste Management Certificate

            Seventy-eight A&T graduates (B.A./B.S.) received the Waste Management Certificate at a special ceremony in December 1999 and May 2000.  The graduates completed a minimum of 18 credit hours of environmental and waste management courses.  The certificate highlights the training of A&T students in environmental and waste management issues and complements the undergraduate degree.  The names and academic majors of the certificate participants are as follows:

            
Partnership with United States Environmental Protection Agency

Ten Students Selected for Summer 2000 Internship at USEPA, RTP

The following students were participants of the summer 2000 internship at USEPA:

US EPA’s Richard Crume Brings Excitement to A&T's Air Pollution Course

           Richard V. Crume, senior project officer with the United States Environmental Protection Agency, taught a senior and graduate level science, engineering, and technology air pollution assessment and control course at A&T in spring 2000.  Crume involved students in discussion of practical and current air quality issues.

US EPA Establishes Air Quality Learning Center (AQLC) at A&T

            USEPA has established an Air Quality Learning Center at A&T .  The purpose of the center is to enhance A&T ‘s waste management resources.  The Air Quality Learning Center serves as a resource for University faculty, staff, and students needing information on air pollution assessment and control.  Additionally, materials in the Center are available to the public and serves as a valuable resource on air quality for Central North Carolina.  It is expected that local air, environmental, and planning officials will find the Center a convenient source of training materials and technical information.

Partnership with United States Department of Energy, Savannah River Site

The Waste Management Institute Receives $60,552 for Groundwater Contamination Studies

            The Waste Management Institute at A&T was recently awarded $60,552 by the US Department of Energy, Savannah River Site through the Education, Research and Development Association of Georgia Universities.  The Institute will analyze the impact of groundwater pollution on people and the environment.

Partnership With North Carolina Public Schools

 Pre-College Environmental Outreach Workshop

             The Waste Management Institute conducted an Environmental Technology and Waste Management Workshop for 80 pre-college students (high school juniors and seniors) on  June 23, 2000.  The workshop covered a wide range of environmental issues. 

 Partnership with Guilford County

 Earth Day 2000, Guilford County

             EARTH DAY 2000, the largest environmental event in human history, was celebrated at the Festival Park in downtown Greensboro on Saturday, April 15, 2000 and on A&T’s campus throughout the week of April 17-22.  This year’s event was particularly meaningful as we celebrated the installation of Dr. James C. Renick as the ninth Chancellor of North Carolina  A&T State University.  EARTH DAY 2000 was an opportunity to focus more attention on the most urgent environmental perils of our time: clean air, clean water, waste disposal, pollution and global warming.  EARTH DAY 2000 offered many opportunities for service and partnerships both at North Carolina A&T and in the Guilford County community.  Everyone was encouraged to infuse environmental themes and issues in their work, as well as to become increasingly aware of the environmental issues that impact our daily lives.

 Partnership with Piedmont Council of Governments

Upper Cape Fear River Basin Partnership

            North Carolina A&T State University is represented on the Upper Cape Fear River Basin Technical Committee by Dr. Godfrey A. Uzochukwu, Director of WMI.  The Cape Fear River Assembly was founded 25 years ago and has grown to a membership of over 400 with a 34 member Board of Directors.  The Assembly membership and the Board are made up of representatives from throughout the Cape Fear River Basin with varying interests including: environmental and conservation organizations, academia, small business and industry, government (local, state and federal), and the general public.  There is a basin wide commitment.   Discussions and remediation of impaired streams (East Fork of Deep River – source of High Point’s drinking water and Greensboro’s N. Buffalo Creek) in Guilford County are in progress.

NC A&T Sustainability Team

            The WMI hereby acknowledges contributions made by the following advisory committee/sustainability team members:

Contact: 

DR. GODFREY UZOCHUKWU
NC A&T State University
1601 E Market Street, Carver Hall Annex
Greensboro, NC 27411
336-334-7030