Construction

New buildings and upgraded spaces are essential to an ever-changing campus community.
Get to know the Construction team responsible for building Big Orange spaces for big dreamers below.

In-House Construction

Capital Construction

The Capital and In-House Construction units are led by Assistant Vice Chancellor Matt Motsko.

These teams are responsible for construction including, but not limited to: new campus buildings, room renovations, classroom upgrades, and building finishes including sign fabrication, interior/exterior painting, and accessibility improvements. Construction also oversees the Special Team to Assist Research (STAR) which works directly with researchers and department heads to ensure lab spaces are adequately fitted and maintained so world-changing discoveries can continue without interruption.

In-House Construction

In-House Construction is responsible for project coordination, construction/remodeling (primarily in existing spaces), estimating services, building finishes, new loading docks and accessible ramp installation, outdoor light, and other major building projects as assigned.

985

Gallons of Paint used
in a fiscal year

1500

Pounds of Concrete mix
used in 2024

Classroom upgrades
over Summer

102

Electrical Outlets
added/relocated

Bryan Lord

Director of In-House Construction

Bryan brings 30+ years of commercial and industrial construction experience, including 18 years in project management. Before joining the university, he worked for a prominent contractor in Knoxville and contributed to several campus projects, including Pratt Pavilion, Sherri Parker Lee Stadium, Lindsey Nelson Stadium, two renovations of Neyland Stadium, and more. Bryan has progressed through various roles at the University over the past 13+ years, starting in the Electric Shop. He has held positions as Senior Electrician, Project Manager, Shop Superintendent, and Assistant Director in FS Construction.

Capital Construction

Capital Construction is responsible for overseeing capital construction projects once the project breaks ground.
This unit is new to the Facilities Services team and is staffed with project managers and architects that bring unique experience and insight to the table, helping to create a better campus of tomorrow one project at a time.

Mike Materna

Director of Capital Construction

Mike Materna is a highly driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in commercial and residential design and construction. Skilled in planning, cost control, budget administration, and communication, Mike was named UT Facilities Services Director of Capital Construction in September 2024. With a passion for serving on higher education campuses, Mike is building his team with the goal of collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to safe practices across all capital projects. When he’s not on campus, he enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking, and swimming.

Meet the Team

Josh Spenard

Construction Project Manager

Josh leads with Construction Administration best practices in mind as he strives to align our campus with industry best practices. Josh is business and servant leader-minded and aims to continuously improve upon project delivery at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He currently holds his OSHA 30-Hour Card and is a Project Management Professional through PMI. Some of his favorite projects to date include: Haslam College of Business, various dining refreshes, the Sherri Lee Parker Softball Clubhouse Renovation/Expansion, and improvements for the College of Communication and Information. In his spare time, Josh enjoys following Syracuse University Men’s Lacrosse and FC Barcelona soccer.

Haniska Prinston

Construction Project Manager

Haniska holds a bachelors in Civil Engineering and has worked as a Construction Project Manager in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia for more than 9 years before returning back to her hometown of Knoxville. She brings experience in managing and overseeing all aspects of the construction process from cost estimating and planning to operations and inspection, and has worked notable government and private commercial projects including the National Parks Services Headquarters and Franklin Park in the District of Columbia. She is a proud UTK alumna and is excited to be part of the Capital Construction team as she works to apply her experiences to foster environments of learning and creativity.

David Crigger

Construction Project Manager

David has served as a Capital Projects Manager/Capital Construction Manager at the university since 2008. During his tenure at UTK, David has had the privilege of playing a part in Neyland Stadium Renovations, upgrades at Dabney Buehler Hall, Ayres Hall, Alumni Memorial Building, Thompson Boling Arena, and numerous athletic facilities. Prior to his time at UTK, David worked with Lindsay and Maples, Architects, Inc. on projects in partnership with the City of Knoxville and the university. Projects include the 11^th Street Parking Garage, renovations at UT Medical Center, City County Building Additions and Alternations, and more. In his spare time, David teaches SCUBA diving and serves at his church.