Hartzell named KU employee of the year

KU Student Housing's Jim Hartzell has been named KU's Support Staff Employee of the Year.

The University Support Staff Employee of the Year is technically skilled, yet gifted at explaining complex concepts in clear, simple language. Jim Hartzell is consistent, customer-focused and knows students are the real beneficiaries of committed behind-the-scenes staff who work to keep them secure and successful. Particularly known for an easygoing manner and strong problem-solving skills, Hartzellunderstands when it’s important to advocate for change and when it’s time to compromise.

Hartzell began more than 25 years ago with KU Facilities Operations and rose through the trades with a number of promotions. Campuswide projects were a specialty where his thorough and insightful review of technical designs and plans were central to the success of the overall assignment. In 2006, Hartzell left his senior position and transferred to Student Housing, where the depth and breadth of his experience was put to excellent use in helping plan major renovations, improvements and innovations designed to benefit current and future generations of KU students.

The facilities staff merger of 2012 required a proven leader with broad experience, a calming demeanor and a commitment to treating others with dignity and respect. Hartzell “traded his tools for an iPad” and established his new operations liaison role as an essential part of the Student Housing leadership team. He’s gifted at thorough and timely responses to high-priority and preventative maintenance issues in Student Housing and is still developing and expanding his role, working toward still more effective means and methods to increase the level and quality of service to on-campus residents.

As emergencies arise, Hartzell helps others understand that residents pay the bills and deserve the best efforts KU can give. And in those crisis times, he’s uniquely able to listen to – and truly hear – the needs of everyone involved so he can clearly communicate those needs to the technicians who will complete repairs.

Other KU award winners include the Ekdahl Dining Commons team, which partners with KU Student Housing to provide the best dining residential dining experience for students. Read about all the award winners: https://news.ku.edu/2014/05/13/ku-honors-employees-year