Biography of Jonathan Latko
During these turbulent economic times, it is more important than ever to make the financial case for advancing technology and sustainability initiatives at Temple University. When giving a sales pitch for a new waste diversion or marketing program, Jonathan Latko, the Assistant Director of Temple University’s Computer Recycling Center (CRC) starts with the triple bottom line. Armed with an MBA from the Fox School of Business, Jonathan Latko seeks innovative ways to redirect and reinvent surplus resources from around the University to benefit the Temple community, improve the environment we live in and save money. Under his leadership, the CRC has been recognized as a national model with the 2009 EPA Mid-Atlantic Region Environmental Achievement Award which was followed up the 2010 “Models of Efficiency” Award presented by University Business magazine. In 2012, Jonathan’s leadership earned Temple a Laureate Award from Computer World Magazine for his efforts to bridge the digital divide by bringing technology into the communities around Temple University that need it most. Since 2003, Jonathan directed a department that has diverted over 22,000 computers, 18,000 monitors, and 6,000 printers from landfills, saving Temple over $1,000,000 in new purchases and an estimated 3,600 metric tons of carbon equivalents from entering the atmosphere. In addition to his work with e-waste diversion, Jonathan has been a leader in developing innovative waste minimization projects on campus, ranging from his oversight of the graduation gown recycling project to the creation of a supply swap room where staff and faculty can shop and donate surplus office supplies. His secret to success lies in his utilization of Temple’s two biggest assets – its students and technology. Jonathan always makes himself available to work with classes and students and has truly enjoyed being a part of Temple University for over 14 years. Jonathan is the definition of team player and can always be counted on as a reliable partner and leader. His cherry and white pride is evident both on the sidelines at Temple athletic events and in his commitment to making Temple a leader in IT and sustainability. Jonathan is also a volunteer in many civic and community organizations throughout the region, believing that you have to be the change you wish to see in the world. In 1999, Jonathan earned his BA in Political Science with Honors from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. After earning an MBA in E-commerce in 2003 from the Fox School of Business, Jonathan is now planning to finish his doctoral work concentrated in Higher Education Administration Leadership at Temple’s College of Education by the spring of 2015. Jonathan has been teaching as an adjunct with course work concentrations in CIS, MIS, IT, sustainability and marketing since 2006.