By: Emma Rasmussen
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV)- The Office for Sustainability has hired Emma Armendariz to be the new Active Transportation Coordinator.
Armendariz, Arkansas alumni, after seeing the job posting, reflected on her time on campus and the difficulties she saw with transportation.
“ I reflected on the transportation barriers I faced as an undergraduate at the U of A. Having those firsthand experiences helps me identify the barriers limiting active transportation on campus.”
Armendariz will be responsible for managing the infrastructure and needs of those who commute to campus through any form of human-powered transportation.
She will help to increase transportation options for everyone on campus.
“The majority of people on campus are not avid bike riders, myself included. If we’re encouraging people to leave their cars at home, we need to ensure they are given the support, knowledge, and facilities necessary for them to have a safe and comfortable commute, regardless of their experience level” says Armendariz.
Eric Boles, director for the Office for Sustainability said he believes Armendariz will help bring campus transportation into the twenty-first century.
“Active transportation is neatly aligned with student success. We have an opportunity to increase health and wellness while decreasing financial stress by removing the barriers to active transportation. Emma gets it, and is exactly the right person to help our campus at this pivotal moment.”