Chief Sustainability Officer
Director of Sustainability & Energy Management
Lauren Bishop
Phone: (828)227-3562
Email: lbishop@wcu.edu
Hometown: Tallahassee, FL
Education: Master of Arts, Industrial Technology, Building Science, Appalachian State University,
2005
Bachelor of Science and Business Administration, Real Estate & Urban Analysis, Appalachian
State University, 2000
Bio: Lauren has been serving at WCU since 2005. She became the Energy Manager for the Facilities
Management Department in 2007. In 2014 she transitioned into her current role as
Chief Sustainability Officer. Her focus includes taking a holistic approach to integrating
sustainability and waste reduction systematically across the campus and community.
It is a dynamic goal that includes utilizing campus as a living learning laboratory
for student engagement, research, and high impact learning. Her family includes her
husband Blair and two young boys, Harper and Myles. In her free time, she likes to
enjoy time outside with her family, hiking, traveling, playing in her garden, and
being a mom.
Energy Management Specialist
David King
Phone: (828)227-2645
Email: dbking@wcu.edu
Hometown: Asheville, NC
Education: Master of Science from Appalachian State University with concentrations in Building
Science and Renewable Energy Systems, May 2012.
Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, High Point University, 1997.
Bio: David was born in Dublin, Ireland and moved to the states at the age of eight. Prior
to joining Western Carolina University, he worked as a fellow for the Environmental
Defense Fund identifying cost-effective energy upgrades for the Eastern Band of Cherokee
Indians. He has also worked as the Weatherization Coordinator for Green Opportunities
(GO), a community based green-jobs training program for under-served young men and
women. He is enthusiastic about working with students, staff, and faculty to identify
energy efficiency opportunities and to further energy awareness across campus. David
enjoys mountain biking, surfing, and getting dirty in the garden.
Recycling Coordinator
Jeff White
Phone: (828)227-7449
Email: jkwhite@wcu.edu
Hometown: New Philadelphia, Ohio
Education: Kent State University 1975-1976, Ohio University 1976-1980 BA English Literature
Bio: Jeff joined WCU in September of 2016 as the university’s first recycling coordinator.
Prior to joining WCU he was Director of Grounds and Assistant Director of the Marietta
College, Ohio physical plant and Supervisor of Grounds at Ohio University. His experience
in recycling includes implementing and managing the Marietta College recycling program
in addition to his other management responsibilities. He envisions recycling as part
of an overall sustainability approach in which all skills and disciplines of facilities
management and the campus community strive to achieve a greener world. He values
time with his family and enjoys fishing, boating, gardening, a good book and travel.
Intern
Adam "Sustainabilly" Griffin
Email: argriffin2@catamount.wcu.edu
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Education: Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Bio: Adam is a junior at WCU and has been with the SEI Committee since Spring 2017. He
was recently appointed Chair of the committee in Spring 2017 as well. He joined the
Office of Sustainability and Energy Management in January 2018 as an intern. He has
been an active leader at WCU to promote sustainability efforts for the campus community
and surrounding county. Adam enjoys birding, fly fishing, hiking, and anything that
gets him outdoors.
Intern
Eliza Hurst
Email: echurst1@catamount.wcu.edu
Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Education: Persuing a Bachelor of Science in Geology at Western Carolina University.
Bio: Eliza is a Senior at WCU. She has been an intern in the Office of Sustainability and
Energy Management since the Fall 2016. She would like to work in educational outreach
to share her passion for hydrology and sustainability. Eliza is an engaged leader
on campus; she was an RA in Walker hall, an Orientation Counselor, an Orientation
Student Leader, a tutor in the WaLC, and a Peer Mentor for L.E.A.R.N. at WCU. She
has been appointed to Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy Initiative committee. When
at school, she likes to hike and explore the mountains, but when she is at home in
Florida, she loves to scuba dive. She hopes to do her part in making sure that the
outdoors are just as beautiful for the future generations.
Intern
Sara Franz
Email: sefranz1@catamount.wcu.edu
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Education: Obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health at Western Carolina University
Bio: Sara recently joined the Office of Sustainability and Energy Management in the Spring
of 2018. She is a freshman majoring in Environmental Health with concentrations in
Leadership and Psychology. Sara is an Orientation Counselor and hopes to apply to
the Sustainable Energy Initiative Committee in the following semester. In her spare
time, Sara enjoys hiking, photography, and crocheting. She plans to make a positive
and lasting impression in WCU's community effort of emphasizing the importance of
sustainable living.
