Facilities duo amplifies enhancement operations on the Blacksburg campus

A dynamic duo on the Division of Facilities’ enhancement crew is tackling an array of improvement projects to elevate the beauty, cleanliness, and functionality of the Blacksburg campus. As part of the Custodial Services team, these individuals are dedicated to supporting campus operations year-round. 

Jack of all trades 

Trey Smith, custodial services technician lead second shift, and Luke Wilburn, custodial services technician second shift, are the two hard-working individuals who make up the enhancement crew. The team works outside of “standard” business hours – from 2 to 10:30 p.m. – to maintain high cleanliness standards campuswide.

“The formation of the enhancement crew during our second shift presented us with a unique opportunity to maximize exterior enhancements operations,” said Brad Lambert, facilities operations assistant manager second and third shift. “Both our second and third shift crews operate during lulls in campus foot traffic, which ultimately opened the door for us to try out different types of projects.” 

Currently, the enhancement crew covers both interior and exterior improvements across the Blacksburg campus, incorporating waste and recycling efforts, floor care, and a new power washing team to help create an environment that is clean and welcoming. 

Lambert kicked off the conversation about power washing operations when expressing his interest in the crew cleaning around the April 16 Memorial. In response to this request, the crew was able to power wash the precast surface prior to the 3.2 Mile Run in Remembrance in 2024.

The April 16 Memorial power washing project was the first exterior enhancement that jump-started Smith and Wilburn to complete 15 projects last summer across campus, including the McComas Hall roundabout, Newman Library walkways, and The Grove. These projects support the team’s campus beautification efforts by providing clean spaces that contribute to Virginia Tech’s sense of place.

A team with ties 

Smith and Wilburn discovered they both had ties to the division’s Custodial Services team upon starting their careers at the university.   

Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Greg Canaday, director of Custodial Services, spent 20 years as a teacher and administrator for various schools in the New River Valley. Most recently, he spent 10 years as the principal at Eastern Elementary/Middle School in Giles County. 

Smith and Wilburn attended Eastern Elementary/Middle School when Canaday was the principal. 

“I had my phone interview during COVID-19 and was very surprised when I picked up the call,” said Smith. The interviewer said ‘Do you know who this is?’ and it was Greg. I was glad to know he was here.” 

Wilburn was searching for job opportunities after graduating high school and became reconnected with Canaday. 

“I was recommended to Greg by my former high school principal,” said Wilburn. “Trey and I are both outdoorsy and have a hands-on skill set so it seemed like a good fit.” 

Smith and Wilburn have fond memories with Canaday from their elementary and middle school years, remembering Canaday as a supportive and involved principal. 

“Trey and Luke are instrumental in helping to widen the scope of enhancement work on the Blacksburg campus,” said Canaday. “They are a versatile crew, willing to step up and complete a variety of projects.” 

While Smith and Wilburn reflect on completed jobs across campus, both express the importance of serving the Virginia Tech community through their work.

“I enjoy the different opportunities I have had on this team,” said Smith. “One of my favorite projects was power washing the April 16 Memorial. It was pretty special to be involved in cleaning something so important to the Virginia Tech community.” 

“It’s nice to know that what we’re doing is going to be seen and appreciated by so many people,” said Wilburn. “Providing a clean area for employees and students to use is a good feeling.”