Developing a Facilities Career Growth Program in Higher Education

Facility Voices

In this episode of Facility Voices, David Trask hosts guests Kimberly Thomas, Special Projects Advisor to AVP, and Cale Caudell, Director of Operations and Maintenance from the University of Georgia (UGA). Together, they shed light on the challenges faced by UGA's Facilities Management Division in the wake of evolving workplace culture and workforce transition.

Kimberly, with her extensive background in higher education administration and K-12 facilities, provides valuable insights into her role as the Special Projects Coordinator; and Cale, who has been with UGA since 2008, shares his journey from building services to his current role as Director of Operations and Maintenance.
Their conversation delves into the unique landscape of UGA, a level one research institution with over 40,000 undergraduate students and 8,000 graduate students. With a diverse range of facilities, including high-capacity labs and cutting-edge technology, the university presents complex challenges for its Facilities Management Division. Kimberly and Cale spotlight UGA's proactive response to the obstacle of workforce turnover, exemplified by their innovative Career Ladder Program. They discuss how this program addresses critical issues, such as salary discrepancies, job descriptions, and the need for internal growth pathways. They emphasize the importance of aligning HR practices with the intricate demands of facilities roles, highlighting the value of prioritizing practices which increase employee retention by providing long term career opportunities.
This insightful episode serves as a valuable resource for facility managers, HR professionals, and anyone interested in addressing the evolving workforce dynamics within large institutions.
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Kimberly Thomas is the Special Projects Advisor for UGA Facilities Management Division's Associate Vice President, bringing 32 years of experience in higher education and K-12 administration. She previously served as Senior Director of Services, overseeing Building Services, Fleet & Grounds, Sustainability, Warehouse Operations, and the Work Request Center. Before that, she excelled as the Executive Director of Plant Operations at Clarke County School District, earning accolades such as the Green Cleaning Award of Schools and Universities in 2015. Her commitment to green cleaning and sustainability garnered recognition from various organizations, including the Healthy Schools Network and US Green Building Council.
Cale Caudell holds a master's degree from the University of Georgia and boasts 20+ years of supervisory experience, with the last 15 years dedicated to roles in UGA's FM Division. Since September 2018, he has excelled in Operations & Maintenance, progressing from an Assistant Director role to becoming the Director of Operations and Maintenance in March 2023. Over the years, he has contributed significantly in various capacities, including Building Services and Support Services. Cale's greatest satisfaction comes from aiding his colleagues and witnessing their successes.

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The views and opinions expressed by third-party guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of ARC Facilities and ARC Document Solutions. We provide a platform for diverse perspectives and discussions and ARC Facilities/ARC Document Solutions assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content provided by our third-party guests.