Auburn University’s main campus spans nearly 13 million square feet, demanding extensive coordination and expertise to ensure its upkeep. Managing such a vast and dynamic space requires a broad range of responsibilities – from infrastructure maintenance to enhancing the student experience – making operational efficiency a priority.

In a significant step toward improving campus facilities and support services, Auburn has appointed Eric Moore as its chief maintenance officer, a newly established position within Facilities Management. Moore will partner with Student Affairs, Athletics and Ag Extension maintenance teams, among others, to optimize campus maintenance operations by establishing policies, practices, technical support, safety and training to be utilized across all units.

“Facilities Management has been successful in part due to our staff expertise in the highly technical mechanical and electrical systems within our facilities. Eric’s maintenance and energy engineering expertise made him the ideal choice to lead this new effort across all of Auburn’s physical assets,” said Jim Carroll, vice president of Facilities Management.

A Proven Leader in Facilities Management

Moore’s appointment follows a distinguished career within Facilities Management, where he held four key roles: energy engineer, interim supervisor of the mechanical trades shop, maintenance engineer, and most recently, maintenance director before stepping into his new role.

“Eric has had the unique opportunity to build relationships across multiple units,” said Dan Whatley, associate vice president of Facilities Operations. “These connections will be instrumental in strengthening collaboration among departments.”

Enhancing Campus Operations

A professional engineer, Moore holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s in engineering management – both from Auburn University. He also brings valuable experience from the private sector, equipping him with a well-rounded perspective on operational efficiency.

In his previous position as director of maintenance, Moore oversaw a team of 200 employees, including electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and carpenters responsible for maintaining over 10 million square feet of campus facilities.

“We aim to assist these units in standardizing practices where additional resources may be needed,” Moore explained. “Our goal is to provide support through corrective and preventive maintenance strategies, training, safety protocols, work order management and more.”

Collaboration and Campus Growth

Auburn’s commitment to fostering collaboration is central to its strategic vision. Bryan Rush, associate vice president for Student Affairs, highlighted the importance of Moore’s role in strengthening campus partnerships.

“The currency of success at Auburn is authentic relationships,” Rush said. “I have always heard that Eric is focused on finding common ground in complex scenarios and working with campus partners to identify a successful path forward in a manner that meets the needs of all parties.”

Moore’s leadership will also support Goal 3 of Auburn’s strategic plan, which emphasize breaking down departmental silos and fostering cross-functional effectiveness.

He will partner with campus peers such as Roy Smith, director of Property Management within Student Affairs, to better serve the campus at large.

“Eric will work closely with Roy to leverage the strengths of multiple units to identify efficiencies, share expertise, and best serve our students by maximizing our dining and housing facilities,” Rush said.

As Auburn continues to grow, Moore’s careful oversight will play a pivotal role in shaping an innovative and sustainable campus environment – one where technology, community and excellence converge.