Staff Excellence: Grounds Department

Year-round, the seamless beauty and well-maintained allure of Purdue’s iconic campus are a testament to the dedicated efforts of the Grounds Department. Their commitment to excellence transforms Purdue’s campus into a welcoming and visually stunning environment for students, faculty, and visitors alike.

Each season on campus presents its own unique responsibilities for the Grounds department. Whether that’s staying on top of snow removal for over 120 miles of sidewalks and 47 lane miles of streets, maintaining approximately 1400 acres of land or growing over 40,000 pieces in Purdue’s greenhouses to fill annual beds with vibrant florals and greenery. The work they do is no small feat.

Though maintaining the campus’s appearance is a significant aspect of their work, the Grounds department handles a plethora of behind-the-scenes operations. Their duties encompass a wide range of tasks, including pest control, irrigation maintenance, heavy equipment support, waste and recycling management for the university, supporting outdoor events, collaborating with various academic departments and even creating their own topsoil for future landscaping projects. These lesser-known duties help keep campus running. Additionally, the department also plays a critical role in instances of severe weather. 

Grounds Director Phil Richey discussed the vital role the department plays creating winter weather action plans and mobilizing on short notice when needs arise. “We’ve taught our staff to be ready,” he states “…knowing your equipment and understanding the capabilities of all your staff,” has proven to be essential as they meet the needs of campus. Despite the tremendous scope of work handled by the department, they’re a small but mighty group consisting of just 77 employees. 

While their work on campus does not go unnoticed locally, the department has been nationally recognized in many capacities. For 14 years, Purdue has received the Tree Campus USA award which recognizes college campuses committed to fostering a healthy environment for trees and green space. Moreover, they proudly hold two PGMS (Professional Grounds Management Society) Honor Awards, recognizing their excellence in enhancing the landscape throughout the West Lafayette campus.

The Grounds department is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. Through every season, the Grounds department works behind the scenes to maintain the West Lafayette campus’s timeless beauty and functionality. The small yet formidable team of 77 employees, led by Director Phil Richey, exemplifies preparedness and expertise in navigating the diverse challenges of campus upkeep.