Dear Team,
As we step into spring, I want to share a few Campus Operations updates and highlight examples of our One Great Team values in action. In a recent message to the portfolio, Interim VP and COO Katie Brock emphasized themes of our priorities, which include responsibly stewarding our resources and Serving with Care. Campus Operations embodies this value in the way we work collaboratively and step up when challenges arise. Earlier this month, our team members cross-collaborated to restore power during a significant power outage, demonstrating problem-solving under pressure as One Great Team. This spirit of teamwork and stewardship was also highlighted in this recent Serving with Care video featuring Shannon Hanney from Planning, Design and Construction, which I encourage you to view.
I also want to share a few leadership updates.
First, I am pleased to welcome Jeff McManus, who joined the team on February 27 as the Executive Director of Campus Grounds and Landscape. Jeff brings extensive expertise in landscape management and team leadership from his previous institution, Ole Miss, and we look forward to the positive impact he will have on our campus environment. Please join me in giving him a warm welcome.
Additionally, we have initiated the search for a key leadership position in Planning, Design, and Construction. This new role, at the level of Assistant Vice President, will be instrumental in guiding campus development and ensuring the successful execution of capital projects that enhance the University experience. We are committed to finding a strong candidate to join our team who will help shape the future of UT.
Along those same lines, I am pleased to share that Robin Burr has joined us as an advisor, with her initial focus on the update of the campus master plan and supporting the Medical Complex Project. Robin brings extensive experience in large-scale facilities management and capital projects. She previously served as the Chief Facilities Officer for the University of Utah, overseeing campus-wide planning and infrastructure initiatives. Before that, she was the Executive Director of Capital Projects for Kaiser Permanente, where she led major healthcare development projects. Her expertise will be an invaluable resource during this interim period.
We’re now in the time of preparing campus for the events and milestones that punctuate the end of the academic year. I know its challenging at times, but the season highlights your essential role as stewards of UT, shaping the campus experience and ensuring that our facilities, grounds, and services both support the University’s mission and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students.
Thank you for your dedication.
Brent Stringfellow
Associate Vice President for Campus Operations