Meet the 2025 Sustainability Award Winners

Winners of the 2025 NC State Sustainability Awards were announced at the Celebration of Sustainability on April 22. Meet this year’s honorees for outstanding sustainability achievements.

STUDENT RECIPIENT

Amanda Solliday is driving sustainability in horticulture through research, education, and industry collaboration. A seventh-generation agriculturalist, she’s dedicated to bridging the gap between sustainability and ornamental crop production. Her work in carbon accounting and life-cycle assessment of flowers is pioneering an underserved area of horticultural research. Beyond academics, Amanda has created 10 industry guides, secured multiple grants, and presented nationally on sustainable floriculture. She also leads hands-on projects, like the student-led Red and White cut flower garden, and organizes sustainability-focused events. Amanda is a graduate student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Poole College of Management. 

FACULTY RECIPIENT

Dr. Angela Allen is a dedicated scientist and educator whose commitment to sustainability is shaping the next generation of environmental leaders. Through her undergraduate research programs, she has provided students with hands-on experience in water quality management, community partnerships and laboratory analysis. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Allen co-advises the NC State Global WaSH student organization and has co-authored numerous student-led publications and presentations. She has also fostered community-driven sustainability solutions, training local residents in water quality monitoring and building capacity for long-term environmental stewardship. Her work exemplifies the power of education, research and collaboration in advancing sustainable water management.

STAFF RECIPIENT

As an educator and mentor, Meghan Teten has influenced countless students. From 2013-2023, she directed the EcoVillage Learning Community, leading sustainability-focused field trips and teaching courses on sustainability and urban development. Now, as Assistant Director of the University Honors Program, she integrates sustainability into outdoor exploration and study abroad programs. She also plays a key role in the Environmental First Year Program, bringing expertise and leadership to curriculum development and instructor support. Additionally, she has served on the Sustainability Council since 2016. Beyond her formal roles, Meghan is a strategic leader who fosters collaboration and continuous improvement in sustainability education.

DEPARTMENT / ORGANIZATION RECIPIENT

NC State Dining has been dedicated to sustainability since 2005, launching initiatives such as local food events and composting programs. The team has expanded its efforts over the years by supporting local farms, reducing food waste and removing plastic bags from campus dining locations.  NC State Dining’s Sustainability Committee, created last year, has focused on waste diversion, sustainable purchasing and communication strategies. Notable accomplishments include hiring interns for waste reduction initiatives, launching “Pick Local Fridays” to highlight local food vendors and improving staff training on waste management. The program’s collaborations with campus and community partners have furthered its sustainability goals, including reducing waste and increasing plant-based offerings. 

INNOVATION / IMPACT RECIPIENT

Over the past five years, Dr. Tommy Holden has secured funding and resources to develop 4.25 miles of professionally constructed mountain biking and hiking trails in Lake Raleigh Woods, all designed with sustainable techniques to minimize soil erosion and protect the surrounding forest ecosystem. He created eco-friendly bridges from downed trees, reducing the carbon footprint of the project, and installed signage to guide users and prevent damage to the environment. Dr. Holden has also dedicated over 500 hours of volunteer time maintaining the trails and coordinating projects to connect Lake Raleigh Woods to the broader greenway system. His efforts have enhanced recreation, research and wellness opportunities on campus.

STUDENT-LED INITIATIVE RECIPIENT

Blossom Together at NC State supports underserved African communities through fundraisers such as stadium cleanups, bake sales and cause runs. These efforts have raised over $9,700, to fund 11 water wells, 300 cataract surgeries and 1,250 food packages in Burkina Faso, Mali and Benin. The organization also contributed $20,000 toward a new health clinic. 

This post was originally published in Sustainability News.