January/February 2025 • volume 42, number 1

Fostering a Culture of Mental Health Awareness

Building Resilience: Prioritizing Mental Health for Facilities Professionals

By Jamie K. Gayer and Samantha Schaefer

Facilities teams are the backbone of higher education institutions, ensuring campuses operate smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Their often-overlooked work is vital to the success of students, faculty, and staff. However, the demanding nature of their roles underscores the necessity of prioritizing mental health. Maintaining mental well-being is not just a personal matter; it directly impacts […]

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How to Build a Culture of Mental Health Awareness

By Mark Crawford

Mental health is a serious concern in the U.S. workforce. A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report states that more than one in five American adults lives with a mental health condition. Yet, less than half receive treatment due to fears of stigma, judgment by others, or unfair treatment. Remote work, too, can increase isolation […]

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Having Those Important Conversations—Speak Up and Share

By Sam Ledford

I assumed my role at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in August 2019. Since my first day on the job, we’ve collectively walked through a global pandemic, political unease around the globe, devastating natural disasters, and—amidst all of it—a push to return to what was normal five years ago. It can be daunting to process […]

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Improving Benefits Realization in University Capital Projects

By Ian Wagschal

Are Universities Missing Out on Half the Benefits of Their Capital Projects? A recent study conducted in partnership with the APPA Center for Facilities Research (CFaR) suggests that universities investing millions into new campus buildings may realize only half of the anticipated benefits. This significant gap between projected and actual outcomes indicates that many institutions […]

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Workforce Building & Helium Conservation Programs Earn 2024 Innovative Practices Award

By Kevin Willmann

Each year, APPA recognizes individual and institutional excellence and achievement throughout educational facilities with its awards and recognition program. The mission of the APPA Awards Program is to: Identify and encourage individual and institutional excellence in facilities management. Encourage and promote active participation in APPA’s programs and services. As we begin 2025, it is time […]

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2024 Regional Reports

APPA Regions

APPA comprises six regions: CAPPA, ERAPPA, MAPPA, PCAPPA, RMA, and SRAPPA. Each region holds an annual meeting in the fall that provides institutional members with professional development opportunities and business partners a chance to engage with members on various levels. Following are conference reports from each region. Learn more about APPA’s regions and chapters. CAPPA—Central […]

The 2024 Rex Dillow Award: Recognizing Excellence in Facilities Management Writing

By Anita Dosik

APPA Digest Jan/Feb 2025

By Kevin Willmann

The Bookshelf Jan/Feb 2025

By Theodore J. Weidner

Regional Roundup

APPA Regions

Membership Matters

Turning Membership Into a Movement: The Power of Facilities Management in Mental Health Advocacy

By Kathryn Brubacher

Facilities management is often seen as the hidden engine behind campus life. We’re the ones who keep the lights on, the toilets flushing, and the temperature just right. While we might not have the spotlight, we have something equally powerful: the ability to lead change, especially when fostering a culture that values mental health. It […]

Facility Asset Management

The Art of Braiding Human Relationships with Processes

By Lindsay Wagner

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, facilities management organizations must balance fostering meaningful human relationships and adhering to processes and procedures. While many view these two elements as separate—and sometimes conflicting—components of organizational success, the truth is that they must be interwoven seamlessly to cultivate a thriving culture. The Interdependence of Relationships and Processes Facilities management […]

Perspective on the Profession

The Human Element: Driving Campus Sustainability Forward

By Maggie Walsh

Most higher education institutions practice some form of sustainability. Not only is it important for the planet, but it also makes business sense. When done right, initiatives around managing energy and water consumption, improving air quality, reducing pollutants, using environmentally friendly materials, and more can save tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. […]

Technology + Trends

Echoes From the Past: New Acoustic Environments for Old Buildings

By Greg Coudriet

The acoustic environment in an educational facility can dramatically impact its ability to support students, faculty, and the community. Proper acoustic conditions are needed to facilitate clear communication, support focused work, and foster learning. With the advent of new hyflex classrooms, acoustics in teaching spaces must also support modern technologies, enabling equitable remote participation and […]

Power Tools

The Snow Clearing Mandate for Facilities Managers in 2024–2025: Do More With Less

By Dale Oberg

Educational facilities officers aim to maintain, protect, and promote the quality of their facilities. In this regard, effective snow clearing always becomes prominent this time of year as part of effective grounds maintenance, campus planning, and asset management. While sometimes considered routine, prompt and reliable snow removal can also touch on preventive maintenance, utilities management, […]

The Sustainable Campus

University of Houston Leads Collaborative Effort to Improve Gulf Coast Area Workforce Development and Community Benefits in the Unfolding Energy Transition

By Rashda Khan

The U.S. Department of Energy has selected a University of Houston-led project to receive funding as part of a $62 million effort to advance clean hydrogen technologies nationwide—it is the only one from Texas. Titled “Equitable Workforce Opportunities: Engaging Gulf Coast Communities in their Clean Energy Economy,” the project is one of four chosen under […]