Scott Turley, associate vice chancellor for facilities, announced he is retiring at the end of 2024.

Turley, who has also served as the executive director of campus utility systems and building climate services for U of A Facilities Management since 2000, has worked at the U of A for 31 years since he accepted a position at the campus' heating plant as a utility engineer and project director.

"I'm extremely grateful for all the people I've worked with at the U of A and the memories I've made serving beside them for over 30 years," Turley said. "It has been the greatest pleasure of my professional career."

Turley, a Pine Bluff native, graduated as a Razorback in 1984 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He then attended graduate school at the University of Texas before returning to the Natural State, working as a project engineer at International Paper in his hometown. Turley made his way back to Northwest Arkansas in 1993 when he accepted his first position at the U of A.

An essential part of the department's reorganization in 2003, Turley has been a steady driving force of FAMA's growth since the turn of the century. He worked closely with the previous associate vice chancellor of facilities, Mike Johnson, until Johnson's retirement in 2021. That's when Turley assumed the responsibilities as the head of FAMA and has served in that capacity for the last three years.

There have been several initiatives established under Turley's leadership over the last 20-plus years that have significantly improved the efficiency of the facilities team and the department's financial sophistication during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turley directed the development and implementation of an integrated utility master plan for the university and established capital funding mechanisms that have produced over $100 million in energy and utility infrastructure investment to support the university's sustainability and growth objectives.

"On behalf of our university community, I offer the deepest gratitude to Scott for three decades of service to our campus," said Clayton Hamilton, senior associate vice chancellor and chief administration officer for campus services. "Scott has been a trusted colleague and friend to those who know him, and he literally leaves his mark on facilities and infrastructure improvements that will impact students and campus for years to come. Thank you, Scott, for a job well done."

Of all his accomplishments, Turley says he is most proud of helping behind the scenes to ensure an exceptional college experience for the young lives that rotate in and out of the university. During his years of service, over 150,000 students graduated from the U of A, in large part because of the dedication and work of Turley and his peers in Facilities Management to maintain a physical environment that fosters student success.

Turley said he is excited about the U of A's future, particularly the leading-edge research that will be conducted on campus in the years to come. He noted the achievements of Alan Mantooth, professor of electrical engineering, and Ranu Jung, director of the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, who have been leading research initiatives at the university in recent years.

"The advanced research growth here at the U of A is pushing all of us to up our game," Turley said. "We are being challenged to design, build and operate the most sophisticated laboratory facilities in the university's history. The success of our world-class research teams begins with the foundational facilities, which our staff at Facilities Management is charged to steward. I am so proud of our team here at FAMA and honored to have played a part in realizing the research mission for the state's flagship campus."

In retirement, Turley said he is eager to travel with his wife, Carol, whom he has been married to throughout his tenure at the university.

The campus community is invited to celebrate Turley's career at his farewell reception from 2:30-4 p.m. on Dec. 16 at the Arkansas Union in rooms 507-511.