Emily Puckett Hired as U of A's Director of Space Management

The university is introducing a new campus services role that will work with units on the strategic planning, analysis and optimization of all university-owned and university-leased space.  

Emily Puckett will begin working as the director of space management on April 13. She will report to Clayton Hamilton, senior associate vice chancellor and chief administration officer for campus services. 

Puckett will work closely with the newly established Space Management Advisory Committee, Facilities Management staff and Srinivas Sistla, director of research infrastructure, to maximize the effective use of academic, research, administrative and auxiliary space in alignment with the U of A's mission, strategic goals and long-term growth objectives. 

"Utilizing our physical space efficiently is critical to advancing our student success, research excellence and employer of choice priorities," Hamilton said. "I'm looking forward to Emily's contributions as we continue to assess our space needs, enhance our space inventory systems and recommend data-driven strategies that will help inform leadership decisions." 

Puckett's responsibilities will include the review, development, upkeep and management of university space standards and policies; coordinating with Facilities Management on the maintenance of the university's centralized space database and space request processes; and managing lease and property management agreements. 

The creation of the new position followed a campus space use study conducted in 2024 and subsequent launch of the Campus Space Management Program in 2025. As part of the study, the university partnered with SmithGroup, a space and design planning consultant, to develop recommendations based on feedback from stakeholders across campus. 

Puckett previously supported the university's Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I3R). She has also served in a research operations role for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art as well as in various capacities for the University of Michigan. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in anthropology from the U of A, graduating summa cum laude, before receiving a Master of Science in Information from the University of Michigan.

"Throughout my career, I've seen the positive impact that a well-managed campus environment has on individuals and communities," Puckett said. "I'm excited to support the university's investment in our campus community by focusing on responsible stewardship and proactive growth planning now and into the future."