Melanie Tatum

Melanie Tatum
Unit Assistant Director
University Student Housing

Desiring for Texas Tech to keep pace with other first-class universities who are setting goals of reducing impact, Melanie Tatum has taken on the challenge of educating others on the importance and availability of recycling. By participating in nationwide college programs such as RecycleMania and Give and Go, she has increased the visibility of Texas Tech among universities and other entities promoting sustainability initiatives and waste reduction on campus. Participation has led to positive publicity for Texas Tech as local news outlets and publications have sought her out for information on the program. As a long time employee she has many associations throughout campus. Many of these staff or faculty come to her to help create or deepen the level of recycling and promoting change in their own sphere of influence. They have seen her willingness to say, “We can do that,” and hope to emulate her efforts in their offices and their homes, on any scale. In addition, she has established a scholarship fund from the proceeds of the recycling efforts on campus. In 2018, $45,000 worth of scholarships were awarded. Through groups and events such as the Red Raider Recyclers at move in and RecycleMania, Melanie has given hands-on opportunities for students and staff to join in the movement to leave our planet better for generations to come.