Matt Packey to Lead Sustainability Efforts at Queens University

Queens University of Charlotte has named Matt Packey as its associate vice president for sustainability and institutional planning. Packey has been a valued member of the Queens leadership team for more than a decade. Most recently, he was counsel to the president where he co-led Queens’ COVID response team, creating and implementing policies and procedures designed to ensure campus safety. Prior to that, he was chief financial officer and vice president for administration at Queens.

In his new role, Packey will lead a committee of students, faculty and staff dedicated to implementing initiatives that will transform Queens into a greener, more sustainable campus – a priority laid out in the university’s Strategic Framework. Packey’s efforts will support the university’s commitment to making informed and conscious decisions that positively impact the environment for future generations.

“I look forward to working together to establish Queens as a transformational leader in the higher ed sustainability movement,” said Packey.

In early 2020, Packey, along with Mark Kelso, Ph.D., was asked to co-chair a task force of faculty, staff and students that fulfilled a charge from President Lugo to build a comprehensive sustainability plan for Queens. The plan, now completed and approved by senior leadership will officially roll out in the fall. To be successful, this plan will engage the Queens campus broadly in a consistent and comprehensive effort aimed at fundamentally changing its culture.

“Ultimately, it won’t just be myself and some committee working on sustainability,” he said. “It will give everyone opportunities to participate and eventually it will become a natural part of who we are – a natural part of how we think.”

From changing light fixtures to reducing consumption and waste, sustainability encompasses many aspects. Although it is not as easily measured as environmental outcomes, diversity, equity and inclusion are equally important.

“Our goal is to not only be environmentally and financially responsible but to also consider how we involve different points of views in our efforts and how those efforts impact our environment, community and/or individuals in different ways,” said Packey.

Packey looks forward to establishing external partnerships with the community and creating campus-wide connections with our diverse student body.

“As an institute of higher education, we have a responsibility to lead the global sustainability transformation,” said Packey. “It’s our job to create leaders who will pave the way for a thriving, equitable and ecologically healthy world.”