Kennesaw State named a new vice president for facilities services and chief facilities officer, effective Feb. 18.
Dr. Michael D. Gebeke has more than 25 years of progressive facilities service experience and more than a decade of experience in higher education. As the new vice president and chief facilities officer, he will overlook all facets of facilities strategy and administration for all 13 of KSU’s colleges on both the Marietta and Kennesaw campuses.
According to an application for the position, Gebeke will provide strategic leadership and direction in planning, implementing, improving and evaluating the facilities services department. The position also includes overlooking around 220 employees and a state-funded budget of less than $19 million, with another $6 million invested in current projects such as renovations, conversions and additions to current campus buildings.
Gebeke said that the facilities department’s goal is to perform their job effectively so that activities on campus can occur with no interruptions.
“The facilities department impacts the students every day,” Gebeke said. “From maintenance and custodial to grounds, the areas we take care of are very visible to students.”
The new chief facilities officer said his goal is to create an environment within the facilities department where professionals come into work each day wanting to help provide positive experiences to the entire campus community. Gebeke added that he wants his team to feel valued and heard, and he plans to work with his team to develop goals so that they can continuously improve their service and document their success.
“I am excited for the opportunity to join a growing Carnegie-designated R2 institution like Kennesaw State University,” Gebeke said. “I look forward to leading this team of professionals as we continue to provide the level of service that our campus community deserves.”
According to KSU’s Facilities Services website, the department strives to provide a high level of service to both internal and external customers and create and maintain an attractive, comfortable and safe environment for KSU students, faculty, staff and visitors each day.
