There are some people who have a natural ability to bring energy and positivity into every space they enter, and Nolan Torbert is certainly one of those people. As Building Operations Coordinator III, Nolan has been a familiar and valued presence at Auburn University since 2010. Overseeing the daily operations of multiple facilities across campus, Nolan spends his days ensuring buildings run smoothly, but it is the genuine connections he builds with clients, staff and leadership that set him apart.
One of Nolan’s greatest strengths is his proactive, customer-first approach to building management. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, he is constantly present in his facilities, routinely walking his buildings — such as FM 1 — to check in with occupants, address minor concerns before they become larger issues and offer a friendly face to everyone he encounters. Whether providing updates, logging service requests or walking clients through solutions, Nolan handles every interaction with clear communication and a warm smile.
“During my first week at AU in 2022, I walked Nolan’s assigned buildings with him. Within an hour, he spoke with four different clients about four different concerns, provided updates, logged issues and made sure they were handled. That has always stuck with me because it showed how much he cares about the people he serves, and he continues to bring that same level of care to his role every day.”
Ryan Harris, Assistant Director
Nolan’s dedication goes far beyond his day-to-day responsibilities. Known across Facilities Management for his strong work ethic and dependability, he routinely goes above and beyond to support the campus community, taking special care to coordinate building access and logistical details for campus events whenever needed. His leadership by example and willingness to step in whenever needed serve as a daily reminder of what true ownership and pride in one’s work look like.
“Nolan is very proactive, and you rarely find him on the reactive end of an issue! His clients often reference his responsiveness and consistent communication when highlighting the role he plays in the operations of the buildings for which he is responsible.”
Dee Sneed, Director
Beyond his technical knowledge and efficiency, it is Nolan’s infectious positivity and charisma that leave a lasting impression. Colleagues note that he has a natural way of drawing people in and lifting the mood in any room. By approaching every challenge with optimism and a focus on solutions, he encourages those around him to approach their own roles with a similar positive mindset.
“Nolan demonstrates dedication through his willingness to go above and beyond his regular responsibilities. He takes pride in his building inspections, stays informed about what is happening in his buildings and makes customer service a priority… He leads with a smile, even during challenging times and his positive attitude, knowledge and dependability have earned him the respect of everyone he works with.”
Rico Harvey, Manager
Nolan’s impact is felt across every building he manages and by every person he works alongside. His commitment to service, proactive mindset and warm presence truly represent the very best of Facilities Management. Thank you, Nolan, for your 16 years of dedication, exceptional service and for everything you do to make Auburn University a better place!
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The Facilities Management Employee Spotlight will feature one outstanding employee each month in the FMHR newsletter. This feature recognizes employees who consistently go above and beyond in their job roles and strive to create a positive culture here at Facilities. The main purpose of this recognition opportunity is to celebrate and show appreciation for employees who are dependable, engaging, hardworking and all-around AU-some!
