Staff Excellence: Operations and Maintenance

At the heart of Purdue University lies an unsung team of dedicated operations professionals. The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) department, with years of expertise and commitment, ensures the West Lafayette campus runs smoothly. Skilled trades personnel perform functions from routine maintenance to complex repairs and minor construction projects, making O&M’s work the backbone of the university’s functionality.

The team maintains a plethora of different infrastructure and equipment in more than 300 areas across campus. These consist of academic buildings, residential halls, athletic complexes, farm buildings and the Purdue University Airport. Organized in teams of Project Teams, Academic Zones, Residential Zones, Central Shops, and Operations Support, O&M works together to ensure over 20 million square feet of facilities is safe, operational and reliable.

Just within the residential areas where many students reside and call home during their time at Purdue, the department maintains more than 4,000,000 square feet of property. The residence halls contain one of the team’s most demanding tasks: the room turnover process at the end of each academic year. After students move out, the O&M team is on the clock to perform necessary repairs before the start of summer classes and conferences.

Recently, the department has also undertaken a major initiative to refresh campus areas with fresh coats of paint, collaborating with student employees to fully paint more than 200 rooms this summer, with another 200-300 rooms needing touch-ups. All of these efforts ensure that everything is in the best condition for students to fully return in the fall.

In addition to maintaining living spaces for students, the department is also crucial to the success of athletic events, managing PA systems, scoreboards, security systems and card readers in Mackey Arena and Ross-Ade Stadium. Keeping all systems working contributes greatly to the overall fan experience at athletic events. 

“We take great pride in playing a part in the success of our athletic teams,” said Dave Burford, zone maintenance supervisor. “Being at a game can provide an electric experience, and it’s rewarding to know we help create such an environment.”

Purdue’s iconic landmarks, such as the campus fountains and the bell tower, are also maintained by the Operations and Maintenance department. . The team manages the seasonal schedules of the fountains, regularly tests the water, ensuring it is safe for the community to enjoy during the warmer months. Additionally, programming the bell tower’s music and overseeing its general upkeep fall under the department’s responsibilities.

Purdue has seen substantial growth in all areas, including academics, research, athletics and beyond. Operations and Maintenance supports this progress by ensuring facilities are accessible and individuals can succeed — something Burford says is a great privilege. While the university continues to advance, Burford says so does his team.

“To see the range of knowledge our employees possess and obtain through experience is extremely admirable. Some days they’re repairing tech and equipment from over 40 years ago, while other days jobs can involve working with more modern systems,” he said.

Operations and Maintenance is part of the Administrative Operations organization, which supports the university by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. The dedication and expertise of the department ensure that campus operates at its highest efficiency, supporting the university’s growth and success. The team’s unwavering commitment to excellence not only maintains the university’s esteemed reputation but also fosters an environment where students, faculty and staff can thrive.