By Diane Luckow

SFU has an ambitious five-year capital plan and Larry Waddell, the university’s newly appointed chief facilities officer, is looking forward to implementing it.

Waddell, who joined SFU from Vancouver Community College in January 2008 as facilities development director, begins his new job July 30, replacing Lee Gavel who is retiring after 25 years.

Waddell’s previous responsibilities included major projects and planning for all three campuses. His new position carries additional responsibilities for the balance of the Facilities Services portfolio, including maintenance, operations administration and real estate.

His past experience in the healthcare and post-secondary sectors included all aspects of facilities planning, construction management, facilities maintenance and operations.

One of Waddell’s first challenges is the Burnaby campus’ aging buildings and infrastructure. The capital plan calls for rebuilding the campus ring road, upgrading classrooms and a major renewal of the biology building.

Already underway is a $2.56-million project, primarily in the Robert C. Brown complex, to improve ventilation and install new flooring, fixtures and furniture, new information technology services in classrooms and lecture theatres, and fresh paint.

New projects include expanding the Surrey campus to accommodate twice as many students and building a new student union building and First People’s House at the Burnaby campus.

The new facilities chief is also working with UniverCity on Burnaby Mountain development plans including a new transit hub.

Waddell says he is “honoured and humbled” to his accept his new job.

“SFU is a great institution with a great history and profile, and iconic architecture located in three distinct campus settings. As a facilities person, it’s a dream opportunity to be involved with these buildings and a university like this.”