Facility Manager Spotlight: Charles Leatherwood

Charles Leatherwood has had the privilege of working at Texas Tech University for the past 41 years. He began his career at Texas Tech at the age of 18, working with grounds maintenance to maintain the sprinkler system. Since then, he has had the rare and unique opportunity to work in every position within grounds maintenance, working his way up to his current senior leadership role. Charles serves as a Senior Managing Director for the Operations Division and oversees three critical areas: grounds maintenance, transportation and parking, and services which includes custodial, mail, and the central warehouse. During his many years of service, Charles has been a vital resource in much of the infrastructure planning that has occurred on campus from water lines to fiber optics.

This past year, Texas Tech celebrated its centennial year, and the Operations Division provided constant support for all centennial related events. The year-long celebration could not have run so smoothly without Charles and his teams. Charles was directly involved in the coordination of several key events from planning and set up to final execution. He could not be prouder of each of his teams and the work they put into each event during the university’s centennial year.

Charles says his favorite thing about his job is that every day is different. He noted that there are always “opportunities we don’t think we can ever do, and then we do it.”  Charles will be retiring at the end of 2024 and is looking forward to relaxing and spending time with his grandchildren.