Color photograph of a cleared dirt construction site with fencing and equipment in the foreground and Oklahoma State University campus buildings and parking areas in the background under a cloudy sky. — The site of the former OSU Power Plant that began demolition in the spring of 2025. It will be used as a green space for the time being.

Facilities Management enhances campus experience through innovation and service

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Media Contact: Shannon Rigsby | Associate Director of Public Information | 405-744-9081 | shannon.rigsby@okstate.edu

From maintaining campus buildings and utilities to improving landscapes and learning environments, Oklahoma State University’s Facilities Management team plays a vital role in supporting the university’s mission every day.

With nearly 400 employees, Facilities Management provides a wide range of essential services across campus, including maintenance and renovations, landscaping, utilities, custodial services and University Mailing Services. Their work helps ensure students, faculty, staff and visitors experience a safe and high-quality campus environment.

Chief Facilities Officer Casey Shell said OSU aims to “create a campus of distinction through excellence, innovation and leadership,” saying that “every project we complete supports OSU’s mission of education, research and outreach.”

Composite color image of an empty, partially furnished office showing two angles of the same room with patterned carpet, bare walls, a single chair, and boxes near a window.

Composite color image showing two stages of a room renovation, with the upper image depicting workers installing materials and tools in a partially stripped space and the lower image showing the same room completed with new carpet and clean walls.

Morrill Hall Classrooms Receive Upgrades

Facilities Management recently completed renovations to classrooms 101, 102 and 103 in Morrill Hall. Updates included new paint, carpet, lighting, ceiling tile, shades and upgraded audio-visual equipment.

This summer, four second-floor classrooms, 202, 204, 206 and 212, are also being revitalized with new lighting, paint, ADA seating, flooring, student furniture, updated IT technology, roller shades, glass boards and a new professor lectern. The anticipated project cost is $240,192.

Seretean Center Lobbies Get Facelift

Facilities Management’s Operations and Maintenance team is improving the lobbies inside the historic Seretean Center.

Enhancements include ceiling repairs, upgraded lighting, replacement windows, updated water fountains and fresh paint. Landscape Services is also assisting with indoor planter designs to create a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors and students.

Originally constructed in 1912 as the Fine Arts Center, the Seretean Center remains a hub for theatre, music and performing arts on campus.

Color photograph of an indoor brick stairwell with a planter ledge and decorative wall-mounted plant shelves, lit by natural light from high windows.

Color photograph of an indoor lobby featuring a brick half-wall with planted greenery and a series of colorful abstract paintings mounted high along the wall above a stairwell.

Color photograph of a partially demolished industrial power plant with exposed steel framework and smokestacks, surrounded by fencing and nearby campus buildings.

Old Power Plant Demolition Nears Completion

The facility was constructed in 1948 and once produced steam and electricity for university. In the mid 1970s, chilled water towers were added for cooling campus facilities. The building was taken offline in 2017 following the completion of OSU’s modern Central Plant.

Demolition began June 4, 2025. The physical demolition of the plant has been completed and the site restoration is expected to be completed this month. The site will serve as green space while long-term plans for the area continue to be evaluated.

University Mailing Services Keeps Campus Connected

University Mailing Services serves both OSU departments and the public as a Certified Postal Unit.

Since the start of the school year, UMS has processed more than 109,000 packages, with 97% delivered the same day, along with more than 324,000 pieces of mail.

The office also offers PO boxes, stamps, money orders, passport services and discounted outbound shipping through UPS and FedEx.

Seasonal Color Renderings Showcase Campus Beauty

Facilities Management’s Landscape Services Design team recently unveiled plans for the university’s 2026 seasonal floral displays.

The polished renderings highlight cooler color combinations as part of the department’s effort to rotate campus palettes annually. Orange plantings will still be featured in select locations, including the Alumni Center, Indoor Practice Facility and Ticket Office, along with accent areas across campus.

The displays are expected to reach full maturity in late June and continue OSU’s tradition of maintaining one of the region’s most picturesque campuses.

Creating Strong First Impressions

From classroom upgrades to campus landscaping and critical infrastructure, Facilities Management’s impact is visible across OSU.

By maintaining more than 8.6 million gross square feet of campus space and over 860 acres of grounds, the department helps create an environment where students and employees can succeed.

Their work may happen behind the scenes, but the results are seen every day across campus.