Bowie State Staff Member Recognized for Sustainability Efforts
Jabari Walker Gifted Award From Local Environmental Agency
MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Saxon, jsaxon@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-3607
(BOWIE, Md.) – Jabari Walker, Bowie State’s sustainability and energy coordinator, received recognition from a local clean energy group for his work promoting environmental sustainability.
Walker received the Visionary Award from the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC), a public-private partnership that promotes the use of clean, alternative fuels created by the Department of Energy (DOE). The Visionary Award is given in recognition of “exceptional leadership achievement in clean energy and clean transportation. A strong commitment to new and emerging technologies, clean energy and clean transportation goals, policies, and procedures.”
“It feels great and justified,” said Walker as he shared his thoughts on receiving the award. “The team around me helps me to put certain projects into action. It’s really good to be acknowledged in that way. It’s good to see these efforts being recognized for myself as well as the university.”
Since coming to Bowie State, Walker has had his hand in a range of sustainability efforts to help the campus move towards becoming more environmentally sustainable. He was instrumental in getting the campus’ first solar bus stop, which sits right outside of the Martin Luther King Jr. Communication Arts and Humanities Building in 2016.
He also started the BSU Student Green Ambassadors, a student group dedicated to raising awareness for green and environmentally friendly practices. Walker also planned a fruit tree orchard that was planted in 2020 near the Loop Road campus entrance. One of Walker’s latest endeavors involved creating the Climate Career Expo, which connects students and employers recruiting for green and sustainability-focused jobs.
“I wanted to bring all the employers together,” said Walker. “I had so many reaching out to me to send job opportunities to students. I felt it was a good time to bring everybody together and just make it one event.”
Walker was also instrumental in Bowie State earning Tree Campus Higher Education designation by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2022. While he’s grateful for the award, Walker doesn’t plan on slowing his efforts in moving to university towards a greener, more sustainable future.
“I was honored to be considered a visionary,” said Walker. “I’m to continue these accomplishments for Bowie State University.”
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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.