Integrated staffing and student-centered strategy are reshaping campus operations
Innovation is the engine behind everything we do. Whether we’re reimagining spaces, designing student-focused operations, or scaling ideas across multiple assets, our work is rooted in the belief that real impact starts with listening, collaborating, and acting boldly. We sat down with Chris Stewart, Senior Assistant Director, Facility Operations CENTERS at Cleveland State University (CSU), who offered a behind-the-scenes look at what makes CENTERS’ approach different and how bundling operations across multiple assets can transform day-to-day work into strategic, campus-wide impact.
Staying True to Mission While Delivering Operational Excellence
For nearly two decades, CENTERS has served as the operational partner for CSU’s Recreation Center. But the story didn’t stop there. In 2021, the university expanded our scope to include Student Center operations and, more recently, Conference and Event Services. Why? Because our team consistently balances strategic vision with practical performance.
“It’s critical to stay connected to the university’s mission, vision, and strategic plan,” Chris explains. “CENTERS has consistently demonstrated an ability to enhance operations while aligning with the bigger picture. That’s why the partnership has grown.”
At CSU, that success has been amplified by bundling operations under a single, unified management model that combines strategy, staffing, and service. It’s this mission– driven and results-focused alignment that fuels success across every asset we manage.
Maximizing Spaces with Purpose and Creativity
When it comes to facility management, Chris emphasizes a proactive, data-informed approach. “We’re not just maintaining buildings. We’re designing experiences,” he says. That mindset came to life when the team transformed a seldom-used group fitness studio into the Shine Well Studio, a mental wellness hub outfitted with nap pods, massage chairs, lounge seating, and live plants. Additionally, because the team at CSU also manages operations at the Student Center, a similar highly-utilized wellness space–The Wellness Cube—was implemented at the heart of campus, as well.
“Now students use the space throughout the day to decompress and recharge. It’s proof that even the smallest square footage can have a big impact if designed with intention.”
Building Relationships That Power Results
Overseeing three campus operations—Recreation, Student Center, and Conference & Event Services—requires more than just schedules and staffing models. It takes trust, campus-wide collaboration, and intentional communication.
“Our success depends on strong relationships with key partners like Facilities, Campus Police, Dining, and IT,” Chris notes. “Without that, we wouldn’t be able to respond to challenges or adapt to new needs across multiple assets.”
It’s that community-first philosophy—where inclusion, responsiveness, and collaboration intersect—that makes CENTERS such a dynamic force on campus
Innovating Through Constraints
Higher education is navigating new financial realities. But that hasn’t stopped the CENTERS team at CSU from finding ways to do more with less.
“When staffing cuts hit our Recreation Center, we didn’t panic. We got creative,” Chris shares. The team reimagined its operations model, cross-training student employees so that three could do the work previously handled by five or six. “It wasn’t easy, but we leaned into flexibility, challenged our assumptions, and found a path forward.”
This approach, rooted in data, long-term planning, and financial sustainability, is part of what sets CENTERS apart. “Innovation doesn’t have to be flashy,” Chris adds. “Sometimes it’s about being brave enough to rethink what you’ve always done.”
Creating Growth Opportunities for Students
Student development is central to CENTERS’ mission. For many student employees, working at CENTERS is their first professional experience and Chris takes that responsibility seriously.
“We train students to do more than clock in and out. We teach them leadership, communication, and problem-solving. These are real-world skills they’ll carry with them long after graduation.”
By designing clear pathways for advancement, from entry-level assistants to operations supervisors, students not only build confidence; they also build careers.
Scaling What Works: Cross-Asset Staffing Success
One of the most impactful changes Chris helped lead was the implementation of a cross-asset staffing model that blends roles between Recreation and Student Center operations and Conference & Event Services. This model highlights how bundling creates operational strength and flexibility.
“Instead of siloed teams, we developed a flexible, well-rounded student employee model,” Chris says. “It took collaboration, planning, and trust but it’s made our operation stronger and more efficient.”
Staff are now trained in both custodial and event support roles, allowing for smoother shift coverage and enhanced student experience.
“And while we’re still tracking outcomes,” Chris notes, “we’re already seeing reduced costs without sacrificing service.”
Bundling in Action: A Model for Integration
The CSU site is a living example of how CENTERS’ bundled management model works in practice. By bringing Recreation, Student Center, and Conference & Event Services under one coordinated operational strategy, and by empowering entrepreneurial leaders like Chris to implement integrated staffing and programming, CENTERS delivers greater efficiency, stronger student outcomes, and more cohesive campus experiences. This approach goes beyond simply sharing resources. It aligns people, purpose, and process across multiple assets to drive lasting impact.
From Idea to Execution: What It Takes
Where do the best ideas come from? According to Chris, they’re often born from failure or frustration.
“When something’s not working, it opens the door to something new,” he says. It could be renovating locker rooms to be more accessible or navigating last-minute event demands, Chris stays closely connected to both the operation and his team. “I test ideas with colleagues and student staff. I ask questions. And if it feels right, I move forward with confidence.”
His advice to others looking to shake things up?
“Be fearless. Have conviction. And start small. You don’t need to overhaul the whole system—just keep the ball rolling.”
Leading the Future of Campus Operations
What CENTERS brings to campuses isn’t just management. It’s momentum. Through partnership, creativity, and a whole lot of grit, our teams build more than programs and facilities. By bundling operations and aligning strategy across assets, we build trust, efficiency, and meaningful student experiences.
“Every day, we show up ready to adapt,” Chris says. “We’re not afraid to take risks. And we never stop asking how we can do it better.”
About the Author: