From students to stewards of campus

More than 50 Virginia Tech alumni support the care, maintenance, and development of the university through their roles with the Division of Facilities.

The Division of Facilities, which as of this month employs about 540 people, is charged with the stewardship of the campuses – the buildings, grounds, and infrastructure – in Blacksburg and across the university’s footprint throughout the commonwealth. A dedication to being good stewards of campus is an integral part of working in the division. 

“Facilities is more than just maintaining and caring for our beautiful campus — it’s about supporting the future of Virginia Tech and the work Hokies do each day,” said Jackie McClanahan, human resources division director. “Alumni are positioned to engage with the division’s efforts because of their deep knowledge of and pride in the university. By caring for Virginia Tech’s campuses, they contribute directly to the next generation of Hokies. We’re proud that so many alumni choose to continue their journey with us.”

Hokies at home

For Eric Tatum '84, director of Virginia Tech Electric Service and deputy to the assistant vice president of energy and utilities; Jenni Goodman '12, communications manager; and Stefanie Locklear '12, interior designer, working for the division provides the opportunity to give back to their alma mater in meaningful ways.

The university’s sense of community drew Tatum back after graduation. “Virginia Tech feels like home to me because of the sense of community in Blacksburg. After all, ‘This is Home,’” said Tatum, using the popular catchphrase. 

For Goodman, the university was home long before she enrolled as a student. “Growing up just down the road, Virginia Tech was the backdrop of my childhood,” said Goodman. “Going to graduate school here was a natural extension of home.”

Locklear built her life and family in Blacksburg after earning her bachelor's degree in interior design. “Campus starts to feel smaller and like a family the more that you get to know people and get involved in the activities here,” said Locklear. “After graduation, I chose to stay, got married on campus, bought a house in Blacksburg, and got a job at Virginia Tech. Now it is truly home and the place where I will raise my children. How lucky we are to be part of this community.”

Serving the campus that shaped them

Working in the Division of Facilities, alumni have the opportunity to serve the people who live at, learn at, work at, and visit the university. 

For Tatum, the division allows him to give back to the community that built him up. “Virginia Tech contributed to the successes that I have achieved in my lifetime,” said Tatum. “Now I have the opportunity to add value to Facilities through the knowledge and skills that were cultivated while I was a student. Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) encourages me to serve and inspire every day.” 

While the division's work is essential to the operations of the university, it’s the team behind it all that inspires Goodman. “I get to help tell the story of this campus, not just the buildings and infrastructure, but the people who make it all happen,” said Goodman. “It's more than just communications. It's about being part of something bigger and helping others feel connected to the place I've always called home.”

Locklear’s education prepared her to create comfortable spaces for current and future Hokies, and now she’s passing on her knowledge. “I get to interact with the interior design students by giving lectures, taking them on job sites, and serving on their alumni board,” said Locklear. “It’s been very fulfilling to be in a position where I can give back rather than just be a consumer. I love being on a team where I can make beauty at this place I call home.”