Approximately 70 facilities employees from the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and University of Houston-Downtown gathered for the 8th Annual Facilities Forum, held at the M.D. Anderson Library’s Elizabeth Rockwell Pavilion.
Organized by UH’s Facilities/Construction Management department, the forum fosters community, encourages collaboration and idea exchange among colleagues, and features insights from subject matter experts. This year’s theme, Driven by Purpose, Leading with Excellence, was chosen for its alignment with the department’s values and goals.
To reinforce the theme, volunteers named tables with inspirational street names such as Dedication Avenue, Value Street, Vision Boulevard, Goals Boulevard, and Inspire Avenue. Attendees also received tool-shaped pens resembling hammers, wrenches, and box cutters—adding a playful touch to the event.
For Douglas Wells, Associate Vice President of Facilities Management and Construction at UH-Clear Lake, the forum is essential.
“It’s a great opportunity for campuses to come together and get to know each other better,” said Wells. “We need more interaction with our sister campuses. It benefits everyone through the easy exchange of ideas and information.”
Wells’ sentiments echoed those of David Oliver, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Senior Associate Vice President for Facilities/Construction Management, who encouraged attendees to build connections.
One of the forum’s most engaging sessions was titled AI in Action: Transforming Facilities and Operations, led by Brett Reinert, Director of Research Advisory Services at EAB (Education Advisory Board). The session drew the most questions of the day.
“I loved the questions,” said Reinert. “It shows people are thinking critically about AI. Everyone assumes it’s easy to implement because it’s user-friendly, but in reality, it requires thoughtful planning.”
Abraham Flores, Director of Building Maintenance at UH-Downtown, found the AI discussion eye-opening. Though not tech-savvy, he said Reinert’s presentation sparked his interest in learning more about how AI could be applied in his field.
Guest speakers included Diane Z. Chase, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at UH, and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the UH System, Richard Walker, President of University of Houston-Clear Lake, as well as Kyle Mutz, Director of the Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center.
“In facilities, ADA compliance is a major component,” said Jennifer Rea, Assistant Vice Chancellor/Assistant Vice President of Partnerships & Engagement. “There was a question about what more we can do to help, so I invited Kyle to share his story and shed light on what students face. Our theme is Driven by Purpose, and for me, that purpose is student success, something Kyle’s center directly supports.”
For first-time attendee Ahmad Shareef, newly appointed Assistant Vice President of Facilities Services, the forum exceeded expectations. He appreciated the opportunity to meet colleagues from across the UH System and hear from inspiring speakers.
“This is truly a family environment — not just within facilities, but across departments,” said Shareef. “I was excited and humbled by how well everyone works together. Now I’ve met my partners from other UH campuses, and my family continues to grow.”
