Casey Lauer Named UM Facilities Management Director

Casey Lauer Photo submitted

Casey Lauer, an experienced engineer and facilities operations expert, has been named director of the Facilities Management Department at the University of Mississippi.

Following a national search, the Kansas native was selected for the position, which includes the responsibility of maintaining and managing one of the country’s most beautiful college campuses – a role Lauer said he’s excited to accept.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the facilities management organization and to join the Ole Miss family,” Lauer said. “I look forward to working with the leadership team, faculty and staff in support of the Flagship Forward strategic plan and feel strongly about the opportunities and positive impacts that can be made throughout the campus community.”
Lauer brings more than 11 years of leadership and experience in the fields of energy engineering, facilities operations, and property and project management.
In his new role, Lauer will lead the university’s Facilities Management Department, which comprises three divisions: facilities operations, facilities services and laboratory services. Lauer also will be responsible for assessing needs for growth, development and improvement on the UM campus.
“Facilities management plays such a key role in supporting the mission of the university in so many ways, so we’re fortunate to have Casey bringing such a wealth of experience and insight to our campus,” said Larry Sparks, vice chancellor for administration and finance. “His addition to our university’s leadership team speaks volumes to our continued efforts to nurture a sustainable, healthy and secure campus environment for our students, faculty and staff.”
Lauer comes to Ole Miss from Kansas State University, where he served most recently as assistant vice president of facilities operations and physical plant infrastructure. During his four years in that position, Lauer was successful in implementing more than $45 million in campus energy efficiency projects, supported the operational needs of campus during a $650 million capital construction plan and oversaw the planning and deliverance of a new $56 million water plant distribution and efficiency system.
Before serving in that role, Lauer served as KSU’s first director of energy and environment program. In that position, Lauer was tasked with developing a universitywide approach for energy conservation seeking to create long-lasting economic, ecological and environmental stewardship.
Before joining KSU, Lauer worked as a project development engineer with Johnson Controls Inc. in Topeka and as an energy engineer with the Kansas Corporation Commission.
A 2004 graduate of the University of Kansas, Lauer holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a bio-mechanical emphasis. He is a member of Pi Tau Sigma engineering honors society and also was a Kansas Honors Scholar and received the KU academic merit award. Lauer is a licensed professional engineer, a certified energy manager, facility operating engineer and general building contractor.
Lauer and his wife, Hannah, are natives of Kansas. They have three children: Jack, 8; Zoe, 4; and Tait, 1.
“I was initially attracted to Ole Miss because of the unique and vibrant campus and its true sense of place, but felt a genuine connection upon meeting and interacting with staff and members of the search committee who care so deeply for the success of the university,” Lauer said. “We are excited about integrating into the tight-knit community of Oxford, building relationships and starting this new chapter, together.”
Lauer, who officially assumes his duties Sept. 10, will oversee the department’s budget of $31.6 million and nearly 275 employees. He replaces Ashton Pearson, who served the university for 11 years.

By Rod Guajardo