An inside look at the guardians of a historic landmark.

William & Mary is a leading public research university widely known for its exceptional academic reputation, beautiful campus, and dynamic community in Williamsburg, Virginia. As the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, this cutting-edge educational institute honors more than 300 years of innovation and excellence.

But what does this university have to do with the cleaning industry?

William & Mary has operated a remarkable building services department led for the last 12 years by director Robert “Bob” Morman.

Family support results in a dream job

With roots at Purdue University and Arnett Health System before coming to Williamsburg, Morman’s career has spanned a variety of facilities and responsibilities, all building toward his role at the university.

Morman’s journey to William & Mary began with a family conversation. Having received the call offering him the position, he wanted to discuss it with his wife and children before making the final decision. His daughter, Grace, asked, “Why do you want this job?” Morman’s answer was simple: “It’s my dream job.” The supportive response from his family reaffirmed his decision to embark on a new chapter in Virginia, one that has been filled with purpose and personal satisfaction.

Reflecting on the influence of his family’s support, Morman said, “I’ve learned the strength of family over the years, and that strength has allowed me to take on challenges with confidence.” His family’s understanding and enthusiasm for his role at William & Mary have underscored his commitment to the institution and the team he leads.

“When I joined William & Mary, I felt immediately drawn to the campus’s history and beauty,” Morman said. “Every day, it feels like walking through a national park. From Thomas Jefferson to James Monroe, the campus is woven with the stories of America’s early leaders, making it a unique setting for a modern institution.

A vital role on campus

Working in facilities management within a university setting presents unique demands. An academic calendar creates both structure and challenges for building operations, and Morman described it as “like the gears of a clock.” During the summer, with students off campus, his team intensifies their efforts to manage large scale custodial operations, at the same time supporting the other four departments involved in facility maintenance.

William & Mary’s building portfolio includes a combination of both historic and modern structures. Managing this balance requires a careful, respectful approach to custodial services.

“All of the facilities departments work closely with Colonial Williamsburg on projects involving our ancient campus,” Morman said. With five facilities departments guarding the campus, skilled tradespeople and specialized subcontractors familiar with restorative techniques ensure that preservation remains a priority.

Morman mentioned that his team works primarily during the day, making them highly visible to the campus community. “We’re not invisible,” he said. “The students, faculty, and staff know who we are.”

The visibility strengthens connections between the facilities staff and those they serve, fostering a sense of pride and respect that he notes is rare in the industry. Morman values this interaction, as it helps reinforce his team’s role as an integral part of William & Mary’s daily life, not just a support service.

The value of a dedicated team

Leading a department of 200, Morman values his staff’s talent and dedication, crediting their hard work as central to the department’s accomplishments. Recruitment and retention are ongoing challenges, but his approach emphasizes mentorship. “Leadership isn’t about dictating,” he explained, “It’s about finding good people and helping them grow into great professionals.”

His approach to staff development focuses on finding individuals with strong people skills and investing in their technical training, creating a supportive environment that encourages growth.

As William & Mary has earned a reputation for providing a supportive workplace, Morman finds that potential hires are drawn to the institution’s history and community values, like he was. Many of his team members have been with the university for decades, with some retiring after 35 or 40 years—a testament to the solid organizational culture Morman and his predecessors have cultivated.

ISSA contributes to the pursuit of excellence

 Morman’s commitment to cleaning is evident in his department’s achievements, including the prestigious ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard Green Building Certification (CIMS-GB) with honors. This certification is a powerful tool that identifies cleaning providers who prioritize customer satisfaction, effective management, and environmental stewardship. CIMS-GB is a recognizable industry stamp of approval for cleaning service providers committed to excellence.

“William & Mary is the first university in the nation to receive CIMS-GB accreditation with honors for its combined academic and residential custodial operations, an unprecedented level of professionalism and excellence,” Morman said. “This achievement sets our school apart and demonstrates our organization’s dedication to quality, customer service, and sustainability.”

This designation underscores the team’s dedication to ambitious standards in cleaning, an achievement for which Morman believes all facility departments should strive. “It’s a model to build your business on,” he said.

As the team prepares for their third recertification, the rigorous standards and professional growth that certification has brought to Morman’s department allow them to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

Disaster preparedness

Unfortunately, William & Mary is in a region prone to storms and seasonal weather shifts. Though Morman and his co-workers in the building services department are responsible for building remediation when storm damage occurs, they collaborate closely with the operations and maintenance (O&M) and grounds teams to ensure the campus is prepared for emergencies.

His leadership philosophy emphasizes teamwork and collaboration, which are essential in disaster preparedness. Whether preparing for winter snow or summer storms, Morman’s team has established detailed action plans, to work in conjunction with other facility management teams at William & Mary.

Advice for peers in facilities management

As an avid networker and ISSA advocate, Morman advised fellow facility managers to cultivate relationships outside their immediate field. “Network not only within facilities but with human resources, safety professionals, and people from other industries,” he said, stressing the value of learning from diverse perspectives.

This openness to collaboration and innovation has shaped Morman’s career, helping him grow as a leader and an essential member of the William & Mary community.

As he looks to the future, Morman envisions more chapters to come in his career. But for now, he is exactly where he wants to be—helping maintain a campus that holds deep historical significance while creating a positive environment for the university community. With his family’s support, a dedicated team, and a commitment to excellence, Morman is continuing his dream job in a place that feels, every day, like a second home.

Sidebars

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT: issa.com/w&m

The William & Mary facilities leadership team.