Emily Messa has long been dedicated to the University of Houston. The veteran university administrator, alumna and doctoral student proudly wears Cougar red ... but she also has a green streak.

Messa, UH System associate vice chancellor/UH associate vice president for administration, has played a key role in campus beautification and sustainability initiatives. For the past three years, she's also taken her enthusiasm and energies off campus. Since 2010, Messa has served the city as a member of Houston's Clean City Commission. This month, she was reappointed as a commissioner. Her term expires in 2014.

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