Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A 35-year employee of Mississippi State is assuming leadership of the university's facilities management operations.
Robert A. Johnston, a professional engineer and MSU alumnus, will serve as interim director of an operation that includes utility and facility services, landscape and grounds, custodial services, safety, and construction services, among others.
Since 2004, he has been construction administrator for the department, where he began his career in 1973.
An MSU electrical engineering graduate, he joined the then-physical plant department in 1973 as an assistant mechanical engineer. He subsequently held positions as construction engineer, facilities planner, assistant director for facilities planning and construction, and interim director.
"Bob Johnston has a deep understanding of a complex department that helps keep the institution operational," said Mike McGrevey, vice president for finance and administration. "We're pleased he will bring his experience and knowledge to this leadership role."
The appointment is pending formal approval by the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.