August 28, 2007

Purdue names interim VP for physical facilities

Joseph D. Mikesell
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"Joe has extensive experience managing facilities construction, maintenance and operations, as well as personnel administration, planning and budgeting," said Morgan R. Olsen, executive vice president and treasurer. "For the past six years as senior director, he also has played a key role in overseeing the growth of the campus, which involved more than 50 major capital projects, including 43 new facilities or additions. Joe enjoys strong support from both colleagues and customers as he moves into this key leadership role as interim vice president."

The vice president for physical facilities is responsible for 1,900 employees and the operation, maintenance, planning and construction of campus lands and facilities on all four Purdue campuses. In addition to the areas that had reported to Mikesell in his previous position, the vice president also oversees buildings and grounds, facilities planning and construction, the police and fire departments, radiological and environmental management, parking, transportation, the Purdue Airport, central machine shop, printing services, central stores, material receiving and distribution, and campus mail.

In his previous position, Mikesell was responsible for 160 employees and all utilities and repair and rehabilitation on the West Lafayette campus and for construction services on all four Purdue campuses.

Mikesell has worked for the university since graduating from Purdue with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1972.

Purdue University's West Lafayette campus has 380 buildings. This summer there were 40 major construction projects on the West Lafayette campus, ranging from window replacements at Purdue Village apartments to completion of the $53.2 million Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering.

Mikesell succeeds Wayne W. Kjonaas, who is retiring after holding the position for 14 years. Olsen said a committee will be formed to conduct a national search for a permanent replacement, targeted to be completed by the end of this academic year.

Writer: Jim Schenke, (765) 494-6262, jschenke@purdue.edu

Sources: Morgan R. Olsen, (765) 494-9705, mrolsen@purdue.edu

Joseph D. Mikesell, (765) 494-7327, jdmikesell@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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