SAU named 2026 University Recycler of the Year by Arkansas Recycling Coalition

News from Southern Arkansas University

MAGNOLIA, AR (10/07/2026) The Arkansas Recycling Coalition (ARC) has named Southern Arkansas University its 2026 School/College/University Recycler of the Year. SAU received the award September 1, at ARC’s Annual Awards Luncheon in Hot Springs. The award recognizes SAU’s work in waste reduction, recycling education, student engagement and sustainable resource use.

ARC’s Annual Awards Program honors individuals, businesses, organizations and industry leaders who have helped advance waste reduction, recycling and sustainable materials management in Arkansas. The School/College/University Recycler of the Year Award goes to an educational institution with a long-term commitment to recycling, sustainable resource use, education and student involvement.

SAU’s recycling program has grown through the work of Volunteer Services, Saddle Up and Serve, AmeriCorps VISTA and community recycling partner Abilities Unlimited.

Many of the projects behind the award were led by Katie Tejeda, director of the SAU Garden, Greenhouse and Farmer’s Market, while she oversaw Volunteer Services. Tejeda started and expanded recycling projects across campus and built SAU’s partnership with Abilities Unlimited. The Service Learning Department has carried that work forward and kept giving students ways to get involved.

Students do much of the hands-on work through Saddle Up and Serve, SAU’s AmeriCorps State program, which is funded through Engage Arkansas. The program involves SAU students in service in three areas: Healthy Futures, Education and Economic Opportunity. Members manage day-to-day recycling on campus and recruit other students to volunteer with them.

By the Numbers

• 4,221 pounds of recyclable material collected on campus from December through May
• More than 45 campus and community events with recycling, including all six SAU home football games, the University’s spring concert and the county fair
• 5 hours of service from student volunteers
• About 2,000 pounds of cardboard collected during Fall 2025 Move-In Weekend
• 5 pounds collected in three months from 14 new office recycling bins
• 40 freshman seminar classes and all six residence halls reached with recycling education

One of SAU’s largest waste-reduction efforts took place during Fall 2025 Move-In Weekend. Six recycling trailers were placed near the residence halls so students and families could recycle cardboard instead of throwing it in campus dumpsters. About 2,000 pounds of cardboard was collected that weekend alone.

Recycling also expanded into campus offices. Starting in February, 14 recycling bins were placed in SAU offices, and those bins collected 662.5 pounds of material in three months. Saddle Up and Serve members kept the program running by checking the bins and collecting materials for processing with Abilities Unlimited.

Emily Gordon, an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving with Abilities Unlimited, helped plan and coordinate SAU’s recycling work, including event recycling and recycling education. Gordon created and taught recycling lessons for 40 freshman seminar classes and all six residence halls. The lessons covered why recycling matters and how to recycle correctly at SAU.

“Receiving this recognition reflects the collective effort that has gone into expanding recycling at SAU,” said Megan McAllister, Saddle Up and Serve director. “I am especially thankful for Emily Gordon and the initiative and collaboration she has brought to these efforts. Her work has set a great example for our Saddle Up and Serve members, who have embraced the responsibility of putting these efforts into action through their service, recruiting fellow students, and contributing hundreds of hours to recycling across campus.”

McAllister also noted, “It has been rewarding to see our members experience firsthand the impact their time and effort can have on their campus and community. I am incredibly proud of the work they have done and grateful for the continued partnership of Volunteer Services, AmeriCorps VISTA, and Abilities Unlimited in making these efforts possible.”

SAU’s recycling program keeps growing with new funding. Kathy Gean, director of Service Learning and SAU+AmeriCorps VISTA, secured a grant of nearly $10,000 to support the University’s recycling work. The money will buy a flatbed cart for hauling recyclables to the collection site each week, which will help the program keep expanding across campus.

Five people accepted the award for SAU and its recycling partners: Kathy Gean, director of Service Learning and SAU+AmeriCorps VISTA; Megan McAllister, director of Saddle Up and Serve; Katie Tejeda, director of the SAU Garden, Greenhouse and Farmer’s Market; Alexys Barth, a Saddle Up and Serve member; and Emily Gordon, the Abilities Unlimited AmeriCorps VISTA member.

The luncheon was part of the Arkansas Recycling Coalition Annual Conference and Trade Show, held August 31-September 2 at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort in Hot Springs.

About SAU:

Southern Arkansas University provides students with the complete college experience in a caring environment of service, innovation, and community. With more than 100 degrees in four distinct colleges and the School of Graduate Studies, SAU initiates new degree programs to fit the needs of career and professional demands of today. As part of this commitment, SAU proudly offers the Next Step Guarantee program, ensuring that students receive the necessary resources, career guidance, and support to transition successfully from college to their chosen careers or graduate studies