Ammen Jordan Named U of A's Active Transportation Coordinator

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Ammen Jordan

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Ammen Jordan has been hired as the University of Arkansas' active transportation coordinator in the Office for Sustainability.

In response to alternative transportation trends, the active transportation coordinator will assist with the infrastructure and programming needs of people commuting by bicycle, foot, e-scooter, skateboard, wheelchair, and other human-powered transportation. This position will continue to eliminate impediments and increase transportation options for students, faculty, and staff.

The city of Fayetteville and University of Arkansas piloted a bicycle and pedestrian coordinator partnership position for the past couple years. The rapid expansion of micro-mobility such as bicycles and e-scooters made it clear that both the city and university needed dedicated support. The active transportation coordinator is partly funded by the e-scooter permitting system.

Jordan believes that the city and university can continue to collaborate to improve alternative transportation options for Fayetteville. "I am most interested in trying to create seamless bicycle and pedestrian connections between the campus the community," said Jordan.

It is apparent that the citizens of Northwest Arkansas are turning toward active transportation for physical, mental and financial health; however, the availability, safety and ease still limit the transportation options for many people. Jordan recognizes this and with past experience and passion for the Fayetteville community, he hopes to work closely with departments across campus to get more students, faculty, and staff to look beyond the car and enhance their quality of life. "It is going to be a group effort to reach the U of A's goal of a more interconnected transportation system for all, but I welcome the challenge," said Jordan.

AMMEN JORDAN

Jordan grew up in Fayetteville and earned his Bachelor of Science in earth science from the University of Arkansas. He then moved away from Northwest Arkansas to explore a wide range of professions including marketing and creative services for Confluence Watersports, managed the New River Academy for Junior Olympic kayakers, and constructed social and environmental impact investment portfolios for Seattle Impact Investing Group.

Jordan then moved to Ruston, Louisiana, and was given the opportunity to serve as director of development for the city. He proceeded to develop and implement quality of life initiatives such as active transportation infrastructure, historic building preservation, food security, poverty reduction, and recycling. During his time in Ruston, his initiatives built more than nine miles of multi-use paved trail, using it to focus on community health and economic and neighborhood revitalization. "Inclusive transportation systems are essential to a healthy community," Jordan stated. "I was interested in improving interconnected systems."

In 2018, Jordan came home to Fayetteville and has quickly become an integral part of the Northwest Arkansas community. He has worked with Bike NWA, sits on the board of the NWA Trailblazers, worked for the NWA Land Trust, and has partnered with UAMS to provide active transportation opportunities to minority communities.

The University of Arkansas' Transportation Plan can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF. To learn more about cycling at the University of Arkansas, visit bike.uark.edu

About the Office for Sustainability: The mission of the University of Arkansas Office for Sustainability (OFS) is to motivate, facilitate, and coordinate responsible practices through partnerships with students, faculty, and staff across all campus departments. The OFS uses the campus as a living laboratory by overseeing the implementation of the University of Arkansas environmental goals. These programs are part of the UA Resiliency Center, hosted by the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, and are supported by UA Facilities Management.