To best support the University’s Strategic Vision and corresponding Master Plan, UTK’s Facilities Services has implemented some organizational changes to include the creation of a new Assistant Vice Chancellor of Planning & Design position. This is a pivotal role that will manage our existing facility utilization while facilitating the Chancellor’s plan to develop the next generation of Volunteers by providing buildings that support anticipated enrollment growth and expanded academic offerings. Facilities Services is pleased to announced the selection of William Maffett as the University’s first Assistant Vice Chancellor of Planning & Design.
Maffett joins the Facilities Services team with 20 years and more than $1 Billion experience as a registered architect with a vested interested in higher education. He is a visionary leader who understands the value of professional relationships. His decades of experience in building collaborative teams is supported by his track record of successful, sustainable projects completed on-schedule and within budget.
In addition to experience at highly-respected architecture firms, Maffett brings years of experience as the Campus Architect, Campus Planner, and Space Manager at Auburn University. During his time at Auburn, Maffett led more than 128 capital projects with a budget valued at $363M+. His experience and expertise made him a trusted decision-maker as he worked with staff at the highest levels of university leadership to ensure the campus landscape reflected the university’s strategic goals and objectives, especially as he implemented and maintained the Comprehensive Campus Master Plan.
One of the most notable facilities Maffett helped bring to life is Auburn’s $95.4M Rane Culinary Science Center that features culinary laboratories, a teaching restaurant, a boutique hotel, spa, food hall, leased units, and a brewery – all of which are designed to support culinary, hospitality, and spa management programs on campus.
Maffett is no stranger to hard work and welcomes a challenge. He currently holds master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Science in Information Systems and bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Business Administration, all from Auburn University.
After his departure from Auburn, Maffett went on to work with firms that provided him the opportunity to stay true to his love for higher education. As the National Practice Leader for Higher Education at Baker Barrios Architects, he led multiple design teams while collaborating and engaging with university leadership and stakeholders to create better campuses for all clients.
With his experience in higher education and his commitment to excellent stewardship, Maffett will lead with a listening ear tuned toward stakeholders while striving for goal alignment, strategic planning, adept problem-solving, and creative solutions to meet desired outcomes. His first day on campus will be Monday, March 18.