University advances a new vision for managing its physical space | Virginia Tech News

Virginia Tech is advancing a new vision for how it manages one of its most valuable resources: the physical spaces where students learn, faculty innovate, and communities connect. To lead this effort, the university has appointed Keith Hayes ’98 as university space official, effective Nov. 10.

Reporting to Dwyn Taylor, vice president for facilities and chief facilities officer, Hayes will direct the Office of Space Management, ensuring that space planning and use align with university priorities and support long-term goals. 

“As Virginia Tech continues to advance, we need to be extremely thoughtful and agile in how we manage space — a precious and finite resource,” said Taylor. “Keith brings the experience, vision, and leadership to turn our evolving framework into a connected, data-driven system that supports the university’s mission.”

A stronger system takes shape

Over the past year, the university has refined its facilities organization to elevate space management as a core institutional function. The Division of Facilities matrix structure now includes four support lines: university architect, university building official, university engineer, and university space official. This transition has helped ensure a more coordinated and effective management of the university’s finite space resources.

The new office was guided through its initial transition by Will Walsh, a member of the facilities space management team since 2022 who served as interim university space official. Taylor credits Walsh with adept leadership during this phase, keeping the focus on collaboration and process integrity while the university built the foundation for a connected, transparent approach to space management. Walsh will now serve as deputy to Hayes, providing ongoing support and expertise.

This reorganization has shaped what Taylor describes as Virginia Tech’s “space ecosystem,” a network of leaders and partners who work together to guide how space is planned, assigned, maintained, and improved. The system includes representatives from the space management, real estate management, the university architect, university engineer, provost, and chief operating officer offices, among many more. Working together makes space management more transparent and efficient, while ensuring every square foot contributes to the university’s mission.  The work is governed by a reimagined University Policy 5400, University Space Management.

Leadership for the next chapter

Hayes, who earned his degree in architecture, brings more than two decades of experience in higher education space management, design, and strategic planning.

Hayes most recently served as director of space management at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), overseeing 12 million square feet of facilities. There, he led institution-wide space surveys, implemented advanced mapping tools, and established data systems that improved decision-making and achieved cost savings.

Earlier in his career, Hayes held leadership roles in facilities planning at the VCU School of Medicine and served as a project manager and architect at several design firms. He is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Society for College and University Planning, Tradeline, and the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers.

“I’m honored to return to Virginia Tech and help advance this next chapter,” Hayes said. “Our goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place and continue improving how space management strategically aligns and supports the core principles of university.”

Building momentum

The Division of Facilities also is launching new tools and programs to sustain this momentum. Recent updates include modernized space assessment procedures, the space allocation dashboard that provides real-time planning data, and a forthcoming comprehensive website that will centralize policies and standards.

Pilot studies in several buildings are helping the university evaluate opportunities to improve flexibility and long-term planning, while a new space ambassador program will strengthen coordination across colleges and departments.

Also, modernized space standards are in the final stages of development to guide how campus spaces are defined, assigned, and used. These standards will provide a more consistent framework for evaluating space assignments. By applying uniform criteria, the university can make more informed decisions, optimize space utilization, and support long-term planning across all facilities.

Together, these efforts reflect Virginia Tech’s commitment to responsible stewardship and long-term physical planning. By combining a clear vision, a strong structure, and dedicated leadership, the university is ensuring that space management remains a collaborative and strategic part of its future, Taylor said.

“With the right systems and people in place, we’re positioned to sustain real momentum,” Taylor said. “This work is about more than managing square footage. It’s about facilitating the space where innovation, student success, and the future of Virginia Tech are housed.”