Department Awards
We’re proud of the work our employees do every single day, but we especially love celebrating those who go above and beyond as true Volunteers. Department awards give us an opportunity to recognize those who go the extra mile, from monthly incentives to annual honors.
Employee of the month
All of our Employee of the Month recipients can be found on the Facilities Services Facebook Page.
You can submit your nomination for employee of the month by using the online form.
Exceptional Team Award
The department presents the Exceptional Team Award to a Facilities Services team whose performance has exceeded expectations and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to achieving the University’s mission.
A team can consist of a particular subunit or unit, a portion of a subunit/unit, or a combination of employees from multiple subunits/units.
Anyone can nominate a Facilities Services Exceptional Team. You can submit your nomination for Exceptional Team by using the online form.
Chuck Thompson Awards
In honor of former Assistant Director of Facilities Services, Charles F. (Chuck) Thompson, his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Thompson, established an endowment with the University of Tennessee specifically designated for two annual cash-incentive awards for non-exempt employees of our department.
Every year, the university gives two awards: one to an individual from the skilled craft areas and another to someone from the clerical, services, and support areas. Each recipient must have at least 10 years of service with the university. In 2025, 29 people received nominations across a total of 11 nominations. The committee unanimously agrees that the winning individuals embody the very spirit of these awards.
Service/Clerical
Frank Tallman has a way of making every person feel seen. Those who know him say he’s never met a stranger, always smiling, always ready to lend a hand. Whether he’s helping solve a problem, teaching something new, or simply bringing positivity into a room, Frank turns every task into an opportunity to help someone else shine.
His colleagues describe him as a quiet force for good, the person who makes sure others have what they need and never asks for credit. He’s known for his professionalism, his patience, and his genuine care for people. One nominator called him “the kind of person who makes everyone around him better.”
Frank’s impact is felt across departments and teams, even if much of his work happens behind the scenes. He’s dependable, encouraging, and always willing to go above and beyond. He doesn’t seek attention, but his example of service speaks volumes.
Facilities Services is proud to present this 2025 Chuck Thompson Award to Mr. Frank Tallman, Central Supply, Administration & Finance.
Crafts
Spend any time around Robert Dykes and you’ll quickly notice two things: his easy smile and his willingness to help. He’s the kind of person who greets everyone with a positive attitude and a readiness to get things done. “I can’t” and “I don’t know” aren’t phrases you’ll hear from him. If an answer isn’t obvious, Robert will find it and he won’t stop until the job is finished.
Those who work with him describe him as even-tempered, kind, and thoughtful. He leads by example, never asking others to do what he wouldn’t do himself. One nominator put it this way: “I’ve had a fair number of bosses in my career, even worked for myself, and I’ve never had a better one.”
Robert’s generosity extends beyond his job description. When team members have needed extra help or resources, he’s been known to step in personally, making sure everyone has what they need to succeed. His leadership style is rooted in service, humble, steady, and full of heart.
Congratulations to the 2025 Chuck Thompson Award winner for Crafts: Mr. Robert Dykes, Maintenance & Repair.
2026 nominees are now under consideration. Winners will be announced October 28, 2026.
OUR CORE VALUES
Facilities Services operates under six core values that guide our day-to-day activities as we work to support the campus community through prioritization of quality service,
instillation of teamwork values, accountability for our work and actions, continuous improvement, dedicated stewardship of resources, and reliable follow through.
We recognize and support the collaboration, research, and innovation that occur on our campus. We commit to supporting the university with integrity and transparency every day.
It Takes a Volunteer
More than 600 individuals make up Facilities Services, working tirelessly to keep the campus running 365 days a year.”