In recognition that academic institutions must demonstrate leadership in their communities by modeling sustainable practices and exploring those practices with students, Hollins University established its Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) in March 2006. The EAB’s mission is to provide the university president with advice and leadership regarding identification, assessment, creation, and implementation of environmental planning and policies for the university. This initiative supports one of the four main hallmarks of the university’s five-year strategic plan -- Environmental and Community Sustainability.

The EAB meets at least once a month and is composed of trustees, faculty, staff, and students. Faculty and staff are appointed by the President and students are appointed by the Student Government Association. EAB members make a significant commitment to environmental work on campus and the dissemination of information on EAB activities.

Green projects and initiatives which are supported by the EAB include the purchase of land on Tinker Mountain, development of campus wide energy policy, campus-wide recycling, affiliation with the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition, and the use of environmentally friendly products. In June 2007, Hollins University became a charter signatory of the American College and University Presidents Climate Agreement. As such, the EAB is currently focused on documenting Hollins' greenhouse gas emissions and developing a plan for reducing campus carbon emissions.