FS News

Breaking Barriers, Building Leaders: How Maria Martinez Earned Her Doctorate—and Helped Redefine What’s Possible in Facilities Services

When Maria Martinez finished defending her dissertation in early April, the moment didn’t feel the way she expected. She closed her laptop in her own home with only her dog there beside her. There was no grand celebration. No immediate sense of arrival. She mostly felt a surreal stillness. “Now what?” she thought. Everything had changed. And yet, in that moment, everything felt the same. So she…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
Six Decades of Service: Saying Goodbye to Boiler #1

Story by: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant Six Decades of Warmth: Boiler #1’s Legacy at UT Knoxville As temperatures dip across the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, warmth becomes more than a comfort, it’s a necessity. Vol fans, students, and staff rely daily on heated buildings and hot water to power through the chilly parts…
Help Us Shape the Classrooms of UT’s Future

The University of Tennessee is conducting a system-wide study of classrooms around the state, and your opinions are needed to help shape the future of learning spaces at UTK. Our architecture and planning consultants from Ayers Saint Gross will be on campus for two open house sessions next week and want to hear from you.…
Important Change to Facilities Services Public Recycling Drop-Off Location

UT Facilities Services has officially relocated its public drop-off site to better serve the campus and Knoxville community. The new drop-off location, now open at 521 North Concord Street, offers the same convenient hours, drive-up service, and materials pickup that visitors have come to rely on. As part of the transition, the former site at 2121 Stephenson…
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…