A decade of leadership in sustainability

Mike Lizotte, UNC Charlotte’s sustainability officer, has championed environmental stewardship since joining the University in 2013. After more than a decade of leadership, Lizotte recently announced his retirement, effective May 1.

“Mike’s leadership has elevated our sustainability efforts to a national level,” said Owen Cooks, associate vice chancellor for facilities management. “He brought a spirit of collaboration, curiosity and purpose to every corner of campus. His work has shaped not only our physical environment, but the culture of sustainability that will guide us for years to come.”

During his tenure, Lizotte led initiatives that advanced the environmental and financial sustainability of UNC Charlotte. His work included conducting campuswide sustainability assessments, coordinating outreach and engagement efforts and supporting faculty in integrating sustainability into teaching and research.

Under his guidance, the University increased its STARS Gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education — a major milestone in UNC Charlotte’s strategic plan to become a national leader in sustainability.

Lizotte’s accomplishments also include expanding events and student engagement opportunities; helping improve operational performance in construction and waste management; creating the staff sustainability ambassadors program; and developing sustainability-in-the-curriculum workshops for faculty.

“It has been an honor to serve UNC Charlotte and to work alongside so many passionate students, faculty and staff,” Lizotte said. “Together, we’ve built programs and partnerships that reflect the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship and financial responsibility.”

Lizotte holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from UMass Amherst, a master’s degree in botany from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in marine biology from the University of Southern California. Before joining UNC Charlotte, he served as sustainability director at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, where he was also a professor of ecology and helped establish programs in environmental studies and sustainability management.