First Impressions program enhances OSU’s campus to create lasting impact

First Impressions program enhances OSU's campus to create lasting impact

Monday, December 16, 2024

Media Contact: Jordan Bishop | Editor, Department of Brand Management | 405-744-7193 | [email protected]

First impressions matter, and Oklahoma State University Facilities Management ensures that the campus leaves a lasting impact on every visitor.

When prospective students visit OSU, they often admire the well-maintained gardens and plant beds. They anticipate a similar level of quality when they see the campus buildings. The First Impressions program at OSU ensures that these high-traffic areas are well-kept, creating a welcoming environment.

"It's all to try to align with the mission statement and strategic plans of OSU," said Jeff Sweeden, Facilities Management director. "We create an inspiring campus, a place that we can get people in the door and retain them, and we're taking care of the place at the same time."

Facilities Management does just what its name suggests: manages facilities. In 2023, though, the department added the First Impressions program, which specifically worked on renovating areas submitted by the different colleges.

When renovating a new space, the focus is usually on the entry areas where people first step into the building. Additionally, attention is given to high-traffic spaces that attract students, tour groups and other visitors.

One of the challenges the First Impressions program faces is that the areas being renovated are usually congested. Workers often carry out painting, lighting and other refurbishments in the presence of students. A structural trades supervisor, Tyler Toland said the team has learned to navigate these busy places.

"Scheduling is a big deal because we're right in the middle of everyone when we're painting," Toland said. "We do it throughout the school year, so I definitely have learned to schedule way ahead of time. Our processes have even changed a bit. We try to section ourselves off and keep the wet paint walls away from everyone so we cause less disruption. I feel that we're at a place now where we have minimal disruptions to be able to do what we do in these spaces."

Being close to students allows for frequent feedback. Jeremiah Petri, the manager of Zone Two, said that most of the feedback is positive.

"A lot of people see us," Petri said. "A lot of people are walking through while we're working on things. Yeah, usually it's almost always positive."

The people in the First Impressions program can witness the positive changes they make in various spaces. From replacing banana-yellow classroom chairs to applying a fresh coat of paint on the walls, they can see the transformations happening before their eyes. They take outdated '60s and '70s-style places and refresh them to fit the OSU spirit.

Maintaining high-traffic areas highlights the importance of the First Impressions program. While much of their work is behind the scenes, their visible efforts contribute to a well-kept and inviting campus.

"Personally, I want to make this place as visually inspiring as I can for everyone that comes on campus," Toland said. "Not just students and staff and faculty, but every person that steps on this campus, I want to leave an impression with."

Story By: Mak Vandruff | [email protected]

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