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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. 

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.

  • Check Presentation of $500,000 in savings through TVA's EnergyRight campaign during UT vs. Vanderbilt football game

    TVA and KUB Present $500,000 in Energy Incentives to the University of Tennessee for Campuswide Efficiency Achievements

    The University of Tennessee, Knoxville celebrated a major milestone in its sustainability journey on Saturday as representatives from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and  Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) presented the university with an energy efficiency incentive check during the Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt football game at Neyland Stadium. The recognition highlights UT’s remarkable progress in reducing…

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  • A modern, multi-level common area with industrial design, featuring a long bar, various tables and chairs, concrete pillars, and a large window with orange accents.

    From Shell to Serving Line: Cumberland Food Hall Opens After 7-Month Sprint

    Story By: Zoe Marcum, FS Communications Student Assistant Vol Dining is a crucial part of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, offering Rocky Top’s finest food to students, staff, and Vol fans. Vol Dining works tirelessly behind the scenes, from bustling dining halls to easy grab-and-go markets, to ensure that all Vols have a wide variety…

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  • contractors work on disassembling boiler #1 at the campus steam plant

    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…

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  • An empty classroom inside the Ken and Blaire Mossman Building

    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.…

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  • graphic features two cartoon globe figures with animated faces to represent recycling

    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…

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  • Left to Right: 2025 Chuck Thompson Award winner Frank Tallman, Facilities Services Associate Vice Chancellor Mike Brady, and 2025 Chuck Thompson Award winner Robert Dykes post against an orange wall. The winners are holding their plaques.

    Carrying the Legacy of Service: 2025 Chuck Thompson Award Winners Announced

    Every year, the Facilities Services family pauses to celebrate two employees who embody the heart of what it means to serve the University of Tennessee with excellence, integrity, and care. The Chuck Thompson Awards are more than just recognition. They’re a reflection of a legacy that continues to shape the culture of this department. The…

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  • UT Facilities Services crew uses a pressure washer to clean the exterior brick at the Student Union

    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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  • Chris Hinshaw turns a wrench on piping related to a cooling system on campus

    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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  • Sustainability team members pose with costume mascot Smokey outside at a Zero Waste Softball event

    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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  • photo of the 11th Street pedestrian bridge with the 11th Street Garage pictured to the right

    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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