The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has named Michael Lizotte the interim Director of Sustainability.

Lizotte replaces Almut Beringer, who has returned to Germany to conduct research in her field of study. Lizotte has been associated with UW Oshkosh since 1994, when he was hired as an assistant professor of biology. He was instrumental in establishing a new program in environmental studies in the 1990s and has continued to teach courses in environmental science and ecology.

Lizotte most recently served as the first director of the Aquatic Research Laboratory and is recognized as a leader in state and local lake and watershed organizations.  He was co-captain of the team that wrote the Campus Sustainability Plan in 2008 and has served on the Campus Sustainability Council in its initial year. This summer he was assigned to develop University grant proposals for projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

As UW Oshkosh continues to put its ambitious Campus Sustainability Plan into action, Lizotte will provide leadership as the campus undertakes a number of key initiatives for 2009-2010, including:

• Review the Campus Environmental Audit to identify opportunities to conserve  electricity, heat and water.
• Develop pilot programs for sustainability leaders in departments, programs and student housing.
• Establish student internship programs.
• Integrate sustainability objectives into the Campus Master Plan.
• Develop a Campus Transportation Plan and Climate Action Plan.
• Review campus construction projects in design and build phases.

This announcement was submitted by Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Tom Sonnleitner. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today. Click here to submit.