This is the fifth and final article in the Operations series.
By: Corey Mobley, internal communications student assistant
From the gleam of freshly cleaned floors to neatly trimmed hedges lining the walkways, Georgia Gwinnett College’s (GGC) Grounds and Custodial teams ensure the campus always looks its best. Led by Brian Crabtree, associate director of Campus Services in Operations, the team maintains every part of GGC’s 100-acre campus with precision and pride.
“The easiest way I describe my team is — we’re polishers,” Crabtree said. “When everything looks clean and polished, but no one can quite say why, it’s probably because our team touched it.”
The grounds and landscaping crews work around the clock to pick up litter, care for the landscape and prepare spaces for daily activity and special events.
“We make sure the campus environment is welcoming to students, faculty, staff and visitors,” Crabtree said. “This means buildings are clean inside and out, the landscaping is meticulously maintained and everything shines.”
Crabtree manages custodial and landscaping contracts to ensure GGC receives full value from its vendors and that they meet expectations.
Faculty and staff can report custodial needs or landscaping concerns through the college’s work order system, which covers issues such as irrigation leaks or janitorial needs. The Operations team reviews and assigns each request promptly.
“The work order system is our primary tool for tracking and managing those requests,” he said.
The team also contributes to projects that enhance campus life. In August, Operations collaborated with Brightview, GGC’s grounds vendor, and Student Affairs to plant 65 azaleas near The Convocation Center as a gift from the Class of 2029.
“It’s a small but lasting addition to the campus,” Crabtree said.
Recently, the department introduced a hypochlorous-derived fogger to improve sanitation and air quality. In just 30
minutes, it can sterilize large spaces such as The Convocation Center after athletic games, as well as conference rooms, hallways, offices and classrooms. It is also used for surfaces, furniture and even carpeting.
“We’re excited to use it to support not only the janitorial team but also the health and wellness of each building,” Crabtree said.
Whether preparing for an event, maintaining campus grounds or responding to daily needs, the Operations team works tirelessly to uphold GGC’s appearance and atmosphere.
For more information, contact bcrabtree1 [at] ggc.edu (Brian Crabtree).