Dear Campus Operations Team,
As we step into the new year, I have updates to share about the exciting path ahead for Campus Operations and about our leadership.
2025 is going to be a big year for shaping how we work and plan for the future at UT. We’re building on the success of UTWorks and other initiatives to make what we do more effective and meaningful. And, we’re working to create better opportunities and improve experiences for our staff.
On top of that, we’re kicking off the update to our Campus Master Plan. This plan will lay out the vision for the future of our campus, helping us stay focused and impactful as we continue driving UT forward.
Part of this future thinking includes welcoming Jeff McManus, our new Executive Director of Grounds and Landscape, who will start Feb. 27. Jeff joins us from the University of Mississippi, where he served as Director of Landscape. Under his leadership, the grounds at Ole Miss transformed into an inspiring outdoor environment that has received several national awards and was named Most Beautiful Campus by Newsweek. I welcome the vision and energy Jeff will bring to this new role, created to enhance the overall aesthetic of the campus environment and experience in support of the UT brand.
There are several other staff leadership transitions in Campus Operations:
Fire Prevention Services
After an incredible 21 years of service, Waymon Jackson will retire as UT’s Fire Marshal and Director of Fire Prevention Services on March 7. Waymon began his journey at UT as a supervisor in the Fire Safety Shop, grew into roles as Senior Engineer and Assistant Fire Marshal, and became Fire Marshal in 2018. His leadership and commitment to campus safety have been extraordinary. We thank him for his decades of service and wish him a well-deserved retirement.
Josh Lambert will take on the role of interim Director of Fire Prevention Services, effective immediately.
Planning, Design and Construction
Last month, I announced that Dan Cook would leave UT to take a position with the University of Notre Dame. As I determine next steps, Amanda Barber will serve as interim Executive Director of Planning, Design and Construction, while maintaining her current role leading project management. To support her, Shannon Hanney will take on a temporary role as Deputy Director of Project Management, and Mitch Stepp will lead the Construction Services area.
Facilities Services
Lastly, Scott Griffin has announced that he is leaving as Director of Facilities Operations & Maintenance to become the Executive Director of Organizational Construction Services at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. I appreciate the leadership Scott has brought to this vital Campus Operations division. While I’m sad to see him depart, I am excited that he is staying in the UT System family and will also be closer to his family in Houston.
Zach Adcock will serve as interim Associate Director of Facilities Operations & Maintenance.
Though change is underway, one thing remains constant — Campus Operations is the reason the lights are on, the doors are open, and the campus thrives each day. Thank you for all that you do to provide the foundation on which UT’s success is built.
Hook ’em!
Brent Stringfellow
Associate Vice President for Campus Operations