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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Shaping Rocky Top: Ted Murphy Named Director of Design for UT Facilities Services
UT Facilities Services is proud to announce the appointment of Ted Murphy as its next Director of Design. Ted’s career is defined by long-standing service, deep institutional knowledge, and a collaborative leadership style that has helped shape the university’s built and natural environments. We eagerly anticipate the ways he will continue to steward and elevate
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From Proposal to Pavement: TDEC Grant Will Expand Electric Fleet at Facilities Services
Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is always looking for new ways to support a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient campus environment. This year, Facilities Services is taking a major step forward with the introduction of nine, large all-electric utilities and recycling vehicles, some of the first of their kind in the state of Tennessee.
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From Crisis to Control: Building a More Resilient Campus After Elliott
In late 2022, Winter Storm Elliott put our campus to the test. The extreme cold exposed vulnerabilities across critical systems and left us with more than $10 million in damage and disruption. It was a hard lesson, and it became a turning point for Facilities Services. Since then, our teams have worked with one goal in mind:
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In Case You Needed a Sign…
Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant Most people cross the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus without a second thought about the signs guiding their way. They fade into the background: arrows pointing toward buildings, room numbers on doors, decals on police vehicles, bright orange event boards lining the sidewalks. Yet every one of
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Behind the Build: The Work Powering Lindsey Nelson Stadium’s Upgrade
Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant Lindsey Nelson Stadium has long been a cornerstone of Tennessee baseball, but its latest transformation marks a new chapter for both the team and the fans who fill the stands. As the Vols continue to rise in national prominence, the stadium has grown with them, evolving into
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Where Campus Work Starts: UT Facilities Services’ Central Supply Warehouse
Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is known for its size, spirit, and its unmistakable presence in the state, but behind the roar of Neyland Stadium and the bustle of campus life is an operation that keeps Rocky Top rolling. At the center of that operation is the
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Building Belonging Beyond the Walls of the Student Union
Story by Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, thrives on community, offering many places for students, staff, and Vol fans alike to kick up their feet, chat with friends, eat some good food, and soak in the spirit of Rocky Top. The Student Union is one of those prized communal
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How GIS Helps Facilities Services Build a Smarter Campus
Story by: Zoe Marcum | FS Communications Student Assistant At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, maps are far more than just tools for finding your way to class. They are woven into the daily operations of UTK’s very own Facilities Services team, silently supporting everything from landscaping to energy management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology
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One Team, One Direction: Our Updated Mission & Vision
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
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The Offseason Guardians of Neyland Stadium
Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant As the cold season settles over the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the roar and hustle and bustle of Neyland Stadium quiets. Football season is over, temperatures are dropping, classes have wrapped up, and fans are retreating into the warm indoors to hot chocolate and holiday cheer. But
It Takes a Volunteer
More than 600 individuals make up Facilities Services, working tirelessly to keep the campus running 365 days a year.”