By: Vannon Lail | Staff Writer
Every day, students and faculty move through campus classrooms, residence halls and walkways, often without considering the people who keep those spaces clean, safe and functional. Behind the daily operations of the university are janitors, custodians and environmental services employees whose work helps keep the campus running.
From cleaning academic buildings to maintaining common areas and addressing facility needs, environmental services staff contribute to the daily campus experience. Their responsibilities often begin before students arrive and continue long after many have left for the day.
Although their work is essential for university operations, these employees may receive less recognition than other members of the campus community. Their contributions, however, affect students, faculty and staff who rely on clean, well-maintained facilities throughout the academic year.
According to Assistant Vice President of Operations Michael Vaughan, “Facilities management serves as the foundational operational backbone for the University of Lynchburg. Our primary responsibilities encompass overseeing environmental services and grounds, maintenance, warehouse and logistics, housing logistics and real estate and capital projects”
Environmental services staff help to maintain classrooms, hallways, restrooms, and other shared spaces, while maintenance personnel address building repairs and other facility concerns. Together, their work supports an environment where teaching, learning and campus activities can continue.
“It’s the students”, said Deloma Stinnette, a member of environmental services. “It’s always been about the students for me. Without them, I wouldn’t have a job. I enjoy giving back to them and the campus community.”
Beyond their assigned responsibilities, these employees are part of the broader university community. Their daily interactions with students and faculty help shape the campus environment, even when their contributions go unnoticed.
Recognizing the people behind these essential services also raises questions about their working conditions and the appreciation they receive for their labor. Their perspectives can offer insight into the challenges of maintaining a university and the importance of the employees who make its daily operations possible.
Maintaining such a large campus presents challenges. “Managing nearly a million square feet across almost 100 acres takes significant coordination,” Vaughan said.
Senior Tristan Fellers expressed concerns about campus maintenance that extend beyond the appearance of university buildings.
“I feel that it’s fine. I think that maintenance does a great job, however, I think the mold that is growing around the school is out of hand and not safe.” Fellers said.
As students navigate their academic responsibilities, the work of custodians, janitors and environmental services staff remains a constant part of campus life, serving as a reminder that the university relies on those who work behind the scenes.
