Patrick McKee was recently named sustainability manager at Eastern Kentucky University.
In his new role, McKee will act as an organizational strategist to assist in positioning the University as a leader in sustainability in higher education. He will be responsible for the development, implementation and facilitation of comprehensive sustainability efforts, including program development and management, education and outreach and implementing campus-wide initiatives and programs that promote sustainability.
McKee will also serve as a resource for members of the campus community interested in initiating sustainability projects and coordinating student, faculty, staff, alumni and community sustainability relations.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to develop a strategy that meets the vision for EKU’s continued success and integrates sustainability into every aspect of the university,” McKee said. “I am also eager to work with students and am looking forward to influencing the mindset of future leaders.”
McKee joined the University after almost two years as a sustainability analyst at Legrand, North America’s corporate headquarters in Connecticut. Previously he was a sustainability contractor at BNY Mellon in Pittsburgh.
Having grown up in west-central Pennsylvania, McKee felt the socioeconomic and sustainability issues of that region were similar to those in eastern Kentucky. The familiarity of the issues and his interest in working in higher education led him to EKU.
“Having the opportunity to lead sustainability initiatives at a university has always been my dream,” he said. “I hope to build a culture of environmentally minded students, faculty, staff, and community members through demonstrating a credible and practical approach to solving complex environmental problems.”
McKee holds a master’s degree in environmental science and management from Duquesne University and bachelor’s degree in biology from Mount Aloysius College.