HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Elizabeth Rutherford, an employee of the Marshall University Physical Plant, will head up recycling efforts on the Huntington campus. Rutherford joins new Sustainability Manager Margie Phillips in the Sustainability Department, which is housed in the Physical Plant.

“Recycling wasn’t a major part of campus life just one year ago, so I am excited to be a part of this new and very important aspect of making our beautiful campus sustainable,” Rutherford said. “I think this is an opportunity for our Marshall University students, faculty and staff to inspire recycling and responsibility beyond the boundaries of our campuses.”

Rutherford’s position is a result of one of the first missions of the newly formed Sustainability Department. Funds for the program come from the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan, the student-initiated “Green Fee” and Marshall University.

The recycling coordinator will oversee the work of eight student recyclers, who have been hired to manage daily pickups from new recycling pods across campus in academic buildings, outside areas and residence halls. Rutherford will promote recycling and look for ways to educate and inspire participation.

She also will oversee volunteer-driven off-campus recycling for Marshall University including the “Be Green” recycling programs at Joan C. Edwards Stadium and tailgate areas during football season and the Cam Henderson Center during basketball season. This particular effort educates Thundering Herd fans about recycling and all proceeds go to benefit Goodwill Industries, which gives training and jobs to the disenfranchised in the Huntington community.

Rutherford is a 2002 graduate of Marshall University with a Regents Bachelor of Arts degree. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Business Management and has returned to the classroom to pursue a degree in environmental science.