By Stacey Freed
Afew years ago, Colorado State University’s (CSU) facilities management (FM) department hired an intern. Tom Satterly, who recently retired as CSU’s associate vice president for facilities management, recalled the unique background of the new intern. “She was an English major who had originally wanted to become a journalist but found she didn’t care for it,” […]
By Jamie K. Gayer
As I stand at the threshold of my eldest child’s high school graduation, a surge of pride and anticipation fills my heart. His ambition to become an architect, a dream he’s held since the fifth grade and a role valued within the APPA community, reflects his aspirations for a fulfilling future. Yet, my parental concerns […]
By Bryan Urton and Mic Sternard
Facility managers in every industry, including higher educational institutions, are grappling with the challenges posed by labor shortages and inflationary pressures. As operational leaders strive to keep their facilities in optimal condition, the task of recruiting and retaining top talent has become increasingly difficult. The scarcity of skilled trades workers presents a significant challenge. According […]
By Sam Ledford
The future of facilities management is changing. We all know it, and many of us already feel it. At many institutions, a weighty percentage of employees are already retirement eligible. The writing is on the wall, but what are we doing about it? How do we recruit the next-generation workforce to keep campuses running efficiently […]
By Marcie Glenn and Justin Warner
In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, facilities management plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and sustainability of academic institutions. With a significant portion of skilled professionals nearing retirement and fewer young talents stepping in, developing and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives is imperative. This article explores the necessity of innovative leadership and […]
By Christopher C. McConnell
As we continue to face persistent challenges with respect to recruitment and retention of skilled professionals, it is critical for organizations to invest in their teams. Investment is not only practical in the sense of staying modern and relevant with current industry trends, but perhaps even more importantly in re-affirming that our institutions are places […]
By Lauren Lanzillo
Recruiting and retaining skilled facilities management (FM) employees is always challenging. However, it has now reached a crucial tipping point. More HVAC, electrical, and plumbing technicians are set to retire than enter into the skilled trades (53 percent of open HVAC technician jobs may be unfilled by 2025). This, plus the historically high churn in […]
By Stephen Harris
When costs and speed of delivery encourage structural steel over cast-in-place concrete, both the International Building Code (IBC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) allow fireproofing of the roof structure to be eliminated if certain conditions are met and risks to lower, adjacent building components are mitigated. However, with the competition for materials, various and […]
By Lindsay Wagner
In today’s competitive employment landscape—where people are willing to jump from job to job—understanding and optimizing human capital is essential. Employers are increasingly recognizing that their employees are their most valuable assets. Effective measurement and management of human capital can significantly improve organizational performance. After all, if we can’t measure it, we can’t manage it. […]
By Kevin Willmann
Over 350 facilities management professionals from across the United States, including some from as far away as Guam, attended APPA U for its June 2024 session, held at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, from June 24 to 27, 2024. APPA U traditionally consists of two signature professional development programs—Institute for Facilities Management (IFM) […]
By Paul Mills
Educational facilities are undergoing a massive transformation. Traditional classroom models are giving way to more dynamic, interactive learning environments that are instrumental in fostering student engagement, creativity, and inclusivity. The rise of smart building technology is driving this major shift in interior design. The concept of smart buildings is broad and impactful. If you were […]
By Glen Haubold
I was teaching APPA Supervisor’s Toolkit recently and suggested to the class that regenerative Artificial Intelligence (AI) had a role to play in our facilities organizations. Some were horrified, and others were excited to find ways it could be used. Afterward, I asked three people who I respect in facilities management (FM) what they see […]
