Robert S. Watkins

Email: bwatkins@westga.edu

 

 

Education:

 

• Henderson High School, Atlanta, GA, Class of 1972
• Atlanta School of Arts – Photography – 1974
• DeKalb College – 1974 –1975
• University of Georgia – Horticulture – 1975 – 1980

 

Leadership Style:

 

• People Oriented
• Participatory
• Goal Oriented
• Energetic
• Innovative
• Decisive

 

Professional Experience:

 

1997 – Present            Assistant Director for Facilities and Grounds

State University of West Georgia

 

The Assistant Director for Facilities and Grounds reports to the Director of Facilities with special emphasis placed on managing all operations associated with the University’s Grounds Department, Student labor and event staff, as well as, management of Motor Pool operations and the University’s fleet of vehicles.  All budgeting, purchasing, operational procedures, public relations, staff development, goal development, and safety compliance are duties associated with this position.  This position has allowed me to completely interact with the University community and to become more involved in project management for all exterior and some interior Facilities projects.

 

Accomplishments:

 

• Grand Award given by the Georgia Green Industry Association – 2000.
• Silver Spade Award given by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce – 2000.
• The completion of the Facilities Master Plan initiative on University Drive and Campus entrances – 1998.
• In-house design of TLC landscape plans and installation of Phase I of this design – 2001.
• State University granted Arboretum status – 2001.
• Campus Signage Implementation.
• Reduction of campus and service vehicles by 64 vehicles.
• “Right sizing” of Landscape Department that has placed many of this staff in supervisory positions in support of long term Facility’s initiatives.

 

 

 

1987-1997             Director for Landscape and Grounds

State University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia

 

This position reported to the Director of Plant Operations with the responsibility of managing 24 full time employees in pursuit of quality landscape management for the State University of West Georgia.  The department was divided into athletic support, landscape maintenance, greenhouse/nursery production, and small engine repair.  Standard operating procedures and data collection for all areas was set in 1988 and many of these procedures still exist today.

 

1981 – 1986                Greentree Inc. – Vice President of Landscape Operations

 

Duties included supervision of all operations, sales, purchasing, public relations and staff development for 150 full time employees.

 

Clients included:  Trammel-Crowe Co., Lincoln Property Co., John Portman and Associates, Tempo Properties and others.

 

Accomplishments:

 

• Six first place awards presented by the Georgia Nurseryman’s Association.
• Two first place awards presented by Associated Landscape Contractors of America.
• Creation of a successful subsidiary to compete with Chem-Lawn.

 

 

 

Professional Affiliations:

 

            APPA

            SACUBO

            GAPPA

            Georgia Green Industry Association – Past President – 1993 –1994