Believing the university's interests for long-term financial stewardship would be best served through a local training program for building managers, the training department within the 1,200-person Plant Operations department formed the Plant Academy. The academy — offering courses taught by university subject-matter experts covering building systems, facilities business systems, and health and safety — aims to increase the knowledge and skills of building managers and promote best practices in facilities management. Ninety-two managers have completed the program. In 2012, the program expanded recruitment to academic business officers who oversee facility budgets and provide supervision to facility professionals.
Sustainability: Cherokee County (N.C.) School District
Sustainability: Leon County, Fla.
Renovations & Retrofits: Mississippi State University
Renovations & Retrofits: Orlando Health
Financial Management: Lee Cty. Port Authority/SW Fla. International Airport
Financial Management: Stony Brook (N.Y.) University
Personnel Management: University of Michigan
Personnel Management: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
