Gov. Jack Markell received the Governor’s Award at the 24th Annual North American Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, DC, an event co-hosted by Johnson Controls and the United States Energy Association at the National Press Club.
Markell joined energy experts, legislators and business leaders in outlining the importance of keeping energy efficiency at the forefront of national research and policies and in making communities and the world more secure, resilient and sustainable, a release stated.
In his remarks, Markell highlighted legislation he is currently promoting requiring utilities to employ energy efficiency when it is cheaper than buying energy from the grid.
“Energy efficiency is the cleanest, cheapest, and quickest way to save money and reduce our energy needs,” said Markell. “I applaud the organizers of the Energy Efficiency Forum for their strong advocacy of using efficiency initiatives to address environmental, economic and national security challenges. If we all come together around this issue, we can create jobs and save taxpayers money, while ensuring people have cleaner air to breathe.”
Markell established his commitment to energy efficiency from his first year in office, when Delaware implemented a series of efficiency and demand response programs. These efforts include establishing statewide energy efficiency standards, retrofitting homes and businesses, improving building codes, working with the farming and agricultural community on more efficient lighting and irrigation, and encouraging the heat and power and cogeneration in the industrial sector.
In addition, Markell has worked with the Sustainable Energy Utility to retrofit state offices, university buildings, and schools.
DSU president honored by alma mater
Delaware State University President Harry L. Williams has been honored by his alma mater, Appalachian State University, with its 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his achievements during his 23-year higher education career.
Williams was presented the award on June 8 during a ceremony at the Boone, N.C. university. The award is given annually to an Appalachian graduate who has attained extraordinary distinction and success in his or her career field and has demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership in the community.
Williams was described in the ceremony program as “a first-generation college student and a fierce advocate for higher education and for those hoping to pursue a college degree.” Also noted were numerous accomplishments that have taken place at DSU in his first three and one-half years as president, including the research portfolio expansion, the University’s rise in HBCU rankings to 13th, as well as the leadership he has shown in testifying to a U.S. Senate committee on the escalating costs of higher education, student debt and what the federal government can do to make college more affordable for all Americans.
A native of Greenville, N.C., Williams credits Appalachian for providing him with a strong foundation for success. “I can tie all the wonderful things that have happened in my life back to Appalachian State University,” Williams said.
“While Harry may physically be in another state, his roots and his heart are here at Appalachian,” said Director of ASU Parent and Family Services Traci Royster.
Susan McCracken, director of ASU External Affairs, added “He credits his mentors here – faculty, supervisors, staff and colleagues – with providing him with the skills and experiences he needed to test his wings, then to fly. We are all so proud that he is an Appalachian State University alumnus.”
At Appalachian State, Dr. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication, a Master of Arts Degree in Educational Media, and an Education Specialist degree in Higher Education, Administration. He then went on to earn an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from East Tennessee State University.
After graduating from Appalachian, he became its vice chancellor for Enrollment Services. He later served with the University of North Carolina General Administration as interim associate vice president for Academic Affairs and then interim senior associate vice president for Academic and Student Affairs.
Williams began the DSU portion of his career story in 2008 when he was hired as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.
