Ochoa Named Director of Office for Sustainability

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Carlos Ochoa is the new director for the University of Arkansas office for sustainability. Ochoa began his appointment on Oct. 1 after serving as interim director of the office since October 2011. He was selected from 17 applicants following an extensive national search.

Ochoa will report to Marty Matlock, executive director of the office for sustainability, and Mike Johnson, associate vice chancellor for facilities.

“Carlos was selected because of his expertise and talent engaging stakeholders, especially students, in sustainability initiatives” said Matlock. “The office for sustainability engages students in developing strategies and solutions for global sustainability strategies. Carlos will serve as executive secretary for the U of A Sustainability Council, work with the Associated Student Government, coordinate student projects, and manage interns.”

The Sustainability Council is co-chaired by Matlock, Johnson, and the ASG president or a designated ASG executive committee representative.

Ochoa will work with Johnson to track and report on-campus performance across multiple sustainability programs. 

 “I have had the pleasure of working with Carlos first as an intern and then as interim director,” said Johnson. “I am impressed with his understanding of our campus sustainability programs, and confident in his ability to lead the students and the U of A community around the world in improving and expanding our sustainability programs.”

Ochoa relocated from the University of New Orleans to the U of A in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina flooded his city and school. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in anthropology in 2006 and his Master of Arts in anthropology in 2009 from the University of Arkansas.   

“Arkansas welcomed me with open arms and embraced me as one of their own,” said Ochoa. “As the new director of the office for sustainability, I will use my experience in sustainability and cultural anthropology to help drive cultural change on our campus and give back to the university who gave so much to me.”

Ochoa can be reached at sustain@uark.edu.