With cutting-edge research, top-tier academic experiences, and incredible athletics programs, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is undoubtedly a university on the rise. We’re experiencing record growth in enrollment, and Facilities Services recognizes that the campus experience is a contributing factor in recruitment and retainment of students. We consider it an honor and a privilege to manage an ever-changing campus, and with that in mind, we have adjusted our Mission and Vision Statements to better align with the goals of the university.
The updated mission of UT Facilities Services is as follows:
As the university’s dedicated facilities stewards, our mission is to plan, construct, and maintain its physical resources and environments to fully support and promote the University of Tennessee’s Vol Vision, implement its long-range Master Plan, and embody the attributes of a modern R1 land-grant university.
So what does this mean? Let’s look at the statement piece by piece.
“As the university’s dedicated facilities stewards…” – Facilities Services is made up of essential personnel working around the clock to care for our campus. This includes everything from landscaping to custodial needs to design and construction project management. You won’t find a more dedicated team of Vols who take pride in their work and give their all for the good of those we serve.
“…our mission is to plan, construct, and maintain its physical resources and environments…” – From the planning of new or renovated spaces to the care and keeping of each campus building, we take ownership and lead in our respective areas with integrity and creativity. With more than 290 buildings and 900 acres to manage, we recognize the importance of attention to detail, continuous improvement, and consistent service.
“…to fully support and promote the University of Tennessee’s Vol Vision, implement its long-range Master Plan, and embody the attributes of a modern R1 land-grant university.” – In order for the university to reach the top, it takes everyone working together with these common goals in mind. Whether it’s the long-range Master Plan for the campus of the future, the university’s strategic vision and five-year goals, or the embodiment of a modern R1 land-grant university today, we encourage innovation and collaboration knowing that we’re at our best when we’re all moving in the same direction.
All of this helps set the tone for our new vision, which now reads:
Our vision is to be recognized as a model facilities services department comprised of personnel dedicated to each other and our mission, and who are proud to be a part of the Facilities team. This will be accomplished by promoting an environment that:
- Focuses on quality service
- Seeks constant improvement
- Develops staff professionally and personally
- Integrates technology and innovative work practices into its daily routine
Our desire is that other institutions would look to the UT Facilities Services team as a trusted partner and leader in facilities management – not just for experience, but for our culture as well. In order to truly carry out our mission statement, we have to build trust in one another and in departmental leadership as we strive to maintain integrity and transparency with one another and the campus at large. We welcome employee feedback as an opportunity for conversation, clarification, and cohesion at all levels, and we are focused on building and maintaining a team that finds satisfaction in knowing how their career contributes to the betterment of students, staff, faculty, and fans.
We know this doesn’t happen overnight, but we are committed to focusing on providing quality support to all of our customers, listening for and implementing ways we can improve, pouring into our team to expand skillsets and create experts in our field, and integrating advanced technology and innovative practices into all we do for the good of those we serve.
As we look to the future of UT Facilities Services, we maintain ever-focused on creating and caring for spaces that inspire innovation and lead to world-changing conversations. We recognize that this begins with a unified vision and an achievable mission, and we look forward to embracing this approach at every level.