Montevallo Featured in The Princeton Review’s 2026 Guide to Green Colleges 

January 5, 2026

The Princeton Review has included the University of Montevallo in its “Guide to Green Colleges: 2026 Edition,” a nationally respected resource highlighting 388 institutions that are committed to environmental responsibility and sustainability across academics, operations and campus life.  

The Princeton Review, a leading tutoring, test prep and college admissions services company, chose the colleges based on a survey the company conducted in 2024-2025 of administrators at 401 colleges about their institutions’ sustainability-related policies, practices and programs. The company also surveyed students attending the colleges about their “green” campus experiences. The school selections were based on more than 25 data points from the surveys. 

This recognition reflects the exceptional work of UM’s Environmental Studies Program in guiding the University’s sustainability efforts. UM has the only environmental studies program in Alabama, a uniquely interdisciplinary program that teaches environmental science alongside social science, management, humanities and art while also providing opportunities for applied practice and career preparation.  

According to Dr. Lee May, coordinator of UM’s Environmental Studies Program and assistant professor of environmental studies, the program’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. 

“We are more than an academic program and consider ourselves members of the local community,” May said. “Many of our ES students conduct research for community partners and/or participate in local internships (some that have resulted in full-time jobs after graduation) that have increased sustainability beyond the walls of Montevallo.” 

As a group, the 388 schools in the guide have highly impressive “green” statistics: 

• 18% of their energy comes from clean and renewable sources 

• 38% of their waste is diverted from incinerators or solid-waste landfills 

• 94% have a sustainability officer 

• 98% offer a sustainability focused undergraduate major or degree 

Here on the bricks, sustainability is heavily driven by the students.  

“The Sustainability Committee is a student-majority service organization that, alongside the student-led Environmental Club, promotes sustainable practices on campus through volunteer efforts and fundraising,” May said. “Of particular noteis the Green Fund, which was created then established through petition by students using student funds. This shows an unmatched level of commitment to sustainability by our student body.” 

UM possesses valuable resources such as the Ebenezer Swamp Ecological Preserve and the Organic Teaching Garden, which E-Club is currently converting to a native wildflower and research garden, which will benefit pollinators, students and visitors for many years to come. 

Montevallo also offers a one-of-a-kind Environmental Education Program for K-12 outreach. Led by Director Jecca Thomason, the program builds environmental knowledge in the community, promotes Montevallo to prospective students and community members and provides UM students with hands-on teaching experience. 

To learn more about environmental studies and sustainability initiatives at UM, visit montevallo.edu/environmental-studies.