Dear Campus Operations Team,
I am writing to let you know that Dan Cook will be stepping down from his position as Executive Director of Planning, Design and Construction (PDC). He has accepted a role with his alma mater, the University of Notre Dame, as Vice President for Facilities Design and Operations and University Architect. He will be Notre Dame’s leading advocate, planner, and steward of planning, design, construction, utilities, and maintenance services. His last day with UT will be Jan. 16.
I have asked Amanda Barber to serve as interim Executive Director of Planning, Design and Construction, and I am confident she can lead us smoothly through this next stage.
I want to thank Dan for his service and contributions to UT since he joined the University in August 2021. Under his leadership, the University has designed, initiated, and completed numerous projects and renovations, including the construction of the Engineering Discovery Building, Mulva Hall, Graduate Student Housing and Whitis Court, and Austin State Hospital, as well as renovations at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Bellmont Hall, Montopolis Research Center, Hogg Memorial Auditorium, and the Tower, to name a few.
Dan has played an important role in shaping the University’s future by guiding the planning stages of numerous projects, such as The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Medical Complex, including the preparatory work of the Erwin Center demolition. Dan and his team have also ensured PDC’s ongoing Construction Services and renovations across UT run smoothly, contributing to a positive campus experience.
I also want to applaud Dan for navigating Planning, Design and Construction through a time of change. He helped build a culture and a collaborative and energetic team ready to meet the needs of the University. Under his leadership, PDC kicked off a recognition program, initiated regular communications and engagement activities, grew the team by 34%, and promoted 45 staff members from within. These accomplishments reflect Dan’s ability to inspire teams to deliver their best, while creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy their work and feel connected to the mission.
If you have talked with Dan, you probably know that he and his family have a strong connection to Notre Dame. Taking this position is a homecoming, and while the news is bittersweet for Campus Operations and UT, I wish Dan the best as he takes on this well-deserved promotion.
Please join me in congratulating Dan and thanking him for his leadership.
Sincerely yours,
Brent Stringfellow
Associate Vice President for Campus Operations