Latest News
News & Notices
With more than 600 team members, 10 units, and countless ideas for innovation and improvement, there’s always something to share from Facilities Services. Whether we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming construction or campus closures as a result of infrastructure improvements, you’ll find all of our news and notices here.
EVERY PERSON & PROJECT HAS A STORY
As the flagship campus for the University of Tennessee, our campus is more than just a collection of buildings and pathways – it’s a vibrant landscape that tells a story rich in history, tradition, and innovation. From the iconic, time-honored halls that have witnessed countless milestones, to the green spaces where students and staff gather, every corner of our campus is steeped in meaning. Our Facilities Services team plays a vital role in maintaining this environment, ensuring that every aspect of the campus runs smoothly and efficiently.
The dedication and hard work of our Facilities Services staff often go unnoticed by those outside their departments, yet they are the unsung heroes who keep the heart of the campus beating. These employees work behind the scenes to create safe, welcoming, and functional spaces for learning, collaboration, and community. Whether it’s responding to an urgent request, performing routine maintenance, or enhancing the campus environment with innovative solutions, the Facilities Services team approaches each task with dedication and a deep sense of pride.
It’s a privilege to share the stories of how these talented individuals work together every day to serve our campus community. Through their efforts, they exemplify the Volunteer Spirit that defines the University of Tennessee. Their work is not just about physical spaces; it’s about creating an environment where history continues to be made, and where each person who steps onto our campus can feel inspired, supported, and valued.
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4,200 psi of Volunteer Spirit: UTFS Pressure Washing Team is Making a Splash on Campus
October 1, 2025 | Zoe Marcum, FS Comms Student Assistant UT Facilities Services is continually seeking new ways to keep the campus clean and well-maintained for Vols throughout the year. One of the ways UTFS achieves this is through the newly established power washing team, a two-man operation that started with $100,000 and the idea…
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From Chillers to Classrooms: The Hidden Heroes of UT Airflow
Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant Here at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students, staff, and fans enjoy our beautiful campus year-round. But when the Tennessee weather turns sweltering, freezing, or far too humid, there’s nothing better than stepping inside and being greeted by a gush of perfectly balanced air. Every day, thousands…
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Orange, White, and Green: Vol Fans Help Power Sustainability
Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant The University of Tennessee, Knoxville prides itself on being a clean and sustainable campus, always striving for ways to improve and reduce its carbon footprint. The average college campus with 40,000 students (like UTK) can generate an average of 12,800 tons of solid waste annually. That’s more…
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11th Street Pedestrian Bridge Reopens Ahead of Fall Semester
Thanks to the proactive efforts and dedication of Southern Constructors Inc., in coordination with The Architecture Collaborative (TAC), Ross Bryan Associates, Inc., the UT System & the university, the 11th Street Pedestrian Bridge is re-opened for use while the remaining scope of work is finished. With great care and a commitment to safety, crews have worked diligently to address the…
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Dr. Michael Howze Named Executive Director of FS Administration
UT Facilities Services (UTFS) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Michael Howze has been appointed as the department’s next Executive Director of FS Administration. With more than two decades of progressive leadership experience in higher education, Michael brings a wealth of expertise, vision, and dedication to this critical role. Michael’s journey with the University of Tennessee,…
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Enhancing Facilities Services: Improved Project Support, Execution and Communication
Facilities Services is improving the way we support the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Over the past several months, we have re-organized our work structure to better serve campus through our three core service areas: Planning & Design, Construction, and Operations. As part of this improvement effort, we’re excited to share more about how we’re managing…
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Innovative Stormwater Solutions: Improving Campus Life at UT Knoxville
Story by: Ella Kelley, FS Communications Student Assistant Proactive Stewardship & Sustainable Solutions The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has experienced significant growth and change over the past 25 years. With more students comes a need for more parking and more academic buildings, but new construction can have an incredible impact on stormwater management and the…
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Facilities Services Completes Another Successful Steam Outage
Story by Ella Kelley, FS Communications Student Assistant Every year, Facilities Services conducts a campus-wide steam outage to allow for repairs and maintenance to steam lines, vaults, and various facilities. This year, the outage took place from May 31st to June 6th. The outage is generally around a week long, though this year’s outage is…
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11th Street Pedestrian Bridge Closure
The pedestrian bridge at the 11th Street Garage has been temporarily closed out of an abundance of caution due to structural concerns identified during ongoing repair work. The university is actively working with the general contractor and design firm to assess the situation. A comprehensive structural analysis is scheduled for the week of June 9…
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In-House Summer Construction 2025
This summer, the In-House Construction team will be undertaking a wide range of renovation and improvement projects across campus. These efforts are part of an ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the functionality, safety, and appearance of university facilities. From classroom updates and office renovations to major interior painting and specialized lab modifications, the team…
It Takes a Volunteer
More than 600 individuals make up Facilities Services, working tirelessly to keep the campus running 365 days a year.”