Dear Campus Operations Team Members,
I hope all of you were able to enjoy a restful Memorial Day weekend. As May winds down, I want to thank you for the dedication you have given to the University during an eventful spring. Your efforts leading up to, during, and after graduation directly contribute to the vibrant campus experience at UT. Your work kept our buildings and grounds beautiful and safe during many events, planned and impromptu, taking place. I’m proud of how the Campus Operations team showed it is always prepared to ensure our spaces can serve the University regardless of circumstances.
As I listened to Jim Davis highlight our team culture during last week’s One Great Team Town Hall, I was reminded that you embody our values daily: getting the work done right, pursuing with passion, acting with integrity, serving with care, and respecting all. As President Jay Hartzell and Jim said, this place cannot run without you. Our leadership notices the energy you put into making our campus special, and I echo their appreciation.
There are two organizational updates I want to share.
- As the University continues to grow, our landscape and grounds have become a priority area. For us to meet expanding expectations and the needs for UT’s campus, I am establishing a new position, Director of Campus Grounds, to oversee the planning, appearance, maintenance, and coherence of the campus grounds and elements that compose the campus exterior. Part of this will include the Landscape Services team moving into this new organization, as well as bringing additional support for this broadened portfolio. I’m excited about the developments that will come from this alignment. A search for this director will begin soon.
- On June 1, John Salsman will start as the interim executive director for Operational Safety & Compliance. John will oversee Environmental Health & Safety, Fire Prevention Services, the Office of Emergency Management, and the Building Standards departments. He has been with UT for almost 11 years as director of Environmental Health & Safety, and his experience and professionalism will be an asset to us as we continue to build on our efforts. Join me in congratulating John!
Lastly — and perhaps most importantly — on June 4, we will have a Campus Operations Ice Cream Social at Gregory Gym from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. during the day and 6:30-8:00 p.m. for the night shift. I look forward to seeing you there!
Hook ’em,
Associate Vice President for Campus Operations