University of the Ozarks officials have announced a partnership with National Management Resources of LaGrange, Ga., to provide physical plant services for the University beginning July 1, 2016.
All 21 current employees of the University’s physical plant will transition to being employees of National. The physical plant is comprised of housekeeping, grounds and facility maintenance personnel.
National has more than 35 years of physical plant experience, with an emphasis on private higher education. It serves 36 colleges and universities in 19 states and employs more than 800 people.
Transitioning employees will receive health care insurance and other benefits through National. They will continue to receive tuition waivers for themselves and their dependents at U of O and their years of service to the University will be recognized in the same manner by National.
According to Jeff Scaccia, vice president for finance and administration, National will provide turn-key physical plant services and will implement a computerized work-flow system as well as a quality assurance manager. The company will also provide ongoing training for the employees.
"The transition will result in a better work environment for our employees and a more efficient and effective system for the University," Scaccia said. "Our employees will be better trained and they will have opportunities for advancement within the company. The University will benefit by being a part of the National network that can provide access to additional resources as well as people with expertise and knowledge in a variety of areas."
National also announced that Joey Etheridge will lead the company’s team at U of O. He recently worked as a team leader for National at Blue Mountain College in Blue Mountain, Miss. The University does not currently have a director of its physical plant.
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