Ohio University is in the process of attracting and hiring a replacement for the university’s recently departed Director of Sustainability, Sonia Marcus, who left her post to pursue new opportunities elsewhere.
No doubt Sonia did a fine job for the university, and we don’t blame her for wanting to move on. Our hope, however, is that this relatively new position of sustainability director is not allowed to become a stepping stone to the next job, perhaps with more prestige or money, as often happens with positions here, at other institutions of higher learning and in industry.
Over the years, the university’s usually accepted method for finding administrative replacements is a nationwide search for someone with the right credentials, who comes here eager to make the university “a better place.”
Will that person, however, have an enthusiasm, understanding, appreciation, commitment and interest in the local community and the region as a whole? And will that person sign on for the long haul?
Sustainability can be defined as “economic development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
This concept encompasses ideas, aspirations and values aimed at inspiring public and private organizations to become better stewards of the environment and promoting positive economic growth and desirable social objectives.
Adopting the principles of sustainability can stimulate technological innovation, encourage entrepreneurial opportunities, advance competitiveness and create meaningful employment while protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for all citizens.
Perhaps most important, it can encourage direct and open communication among all stakeholders in the community to link long-term sustainable considerations with ethical responsibility, and the relationship between nature and human activity.
Through its long history OU has contributed many positive and desirable attributes to the Athens community. And though it’s been a while coming, we’re glad to see the university taking steps to accept and institute principles of sustainability, energy efficiency, conservation and green building.
Not just the university, but the community as a whole must get past the “business as usual,” often destructive elements of traditional economic development.
It seems to us that OU has a responsibility to select as sustainability director someone with not only a solid professional background and hands-on experience, but also with a vested interest in the community and a big-picture view of the region as a whole. We know such knowledgeable and experienced persons are available within our midst.
Tim Traxler resides in Millfield and Karl Runser resides in Athens.
