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Decorative artisan Nancy Lee Morris is no stranger to restoration efforts at The University of Texas at Austin. After working on both Battle Hall and Hogg Memorial Auditorium, Morris is back to give new life to the spandrels adorning the Forty Acres’ most iconic building: the Tower.

The goal of the Tower restoration now underway is to return the University’s emblematic landmark not to what it was before the rust set in but to its original 1937 state. Knowing exactly what it looked like then, however, is trickier than you might think.

A new academic year is underway, and I want to thank you for all of your efforts to prepare campus for returning students. The work we do — and how we do it — shapes the campus experience and creates the “here” that changes the world. Every effort, from major capital projects to the placement of a single trash can, contributes to the look, feel, and function of campus. 

Campus Operations teams have been working hard to prepare for students’ return by cleaning and refreshing facilities, completing construction and restoration projects, and beautifying outdoor spaces. From deep-cleaned classrooms and updated event processes to major building improvements and landscaping upgrades across campus, these efforts created a welcoming and unified environment for the new academic year.

One of the things I appreciate most about Campus Operations is how we consistently rise to the occasion — whether it's for expected events like Commencement or unexpected challenges like severe weather. Commencement is one of the most high-profile milestones of the year, and your efforts helped make it a vibrant and memorable experience for our graduates and campus visitors. The behind-the-scenes efforts of our teams in Facilities Services, Grounds and Landscape, and Planning, Design and Construction helped bring each Commencement celebration to life and showcased our University at its very best.

Campus Operations has launched a new and improved campus map!

One of the things I appreciate most about Campus Operations is how we consistently rise to the occasion — whether it's for expected events like Commencement or unexpected challenges like severe weather. Commencement is one of the most high-profile milestones of the year, and your efforts helped make it a vibrant and memorable experience for our graduates and campus visitors. The behind-the-scenes efforts of our teams in Facilities Services, Grounds and Landscape, and Planning, Design and Construction helped bring each Commencement celebration to life and showcased our University at its very best.

I’m writing to share an important update regarding leadership in Planning, Design and Construction (PDC). Amanda Barber, who has been serving as interim Executive Director, will leave her role March 5 to join Southwestern University in Georgetown as Associate Vice President of Facilities. Please join me in thanking Amanda for her dedication and service during the past year and a half. Her leadership has been invaluable, and we wish her all the best in this next chapter.

KEYE-TV AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas at Austin announced plans Thursday to build a 9,600-square-foot water recycling facility that will allow the school to reduce its water usage by 40%.

Austin American-Statesman The University of Texas will develop a 9,600-square-foot water processing facility — the largest of its kind in the nation, it says — on campus to decrease its reliance on Austin Water and reduce its usage by 40%, it announced Thursday.