John Eckman

Experience

• 

  University of Connecticut

  Aug 1995 - Jul 1997

  Hall Manager, Residential Life
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  New York University

  Jul 1997 - Sept 2000

  Area Director, Housing and Residential Life
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  Southern Oregon University

  Sept 2000 - Jul 2001

  Assistant Director of Student Activities
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  Portland State University

  Jul 2001 - Jun 2012

  Managed the financial and operational oversight of self-supporting campus services at Oregon’s largest university, including University Housing, Dining Services (residential dining, catering, and retail), Transportation and Parking, Conferences and Events (Student Union, University Place Hotel, Summer Conferencing), and Retail and Vending Services. Also oversaw key support units such as accounting, marketing, IT, and maintenance. Supervised 6 direct reports, 95 staff, and 166 student employees, managing 3 million square feet of facilities. Directed a mix of outsourced services, including custodial, laundry, vending, and food service. Led major renovations of two residence halls and a student union, as well as the deconstruction of three residence halls and construction of two mixed-use LEED-rated buildings with 1,026 beds. Show less

  • Executive Director, Auxiliary Services

    Sept 2008 - Jun 2012

  • Associate Director of Auxiliary Services and Chief Housing Officer

    Sept 2003 - Sept 2008

  • Advisor, Student Activities

    Jul 2001 - Sept 2003
• 

  University of Pennsylvania

  Jul 2012 - May 2017

  Director of Residential Services

  At the University of Pennsylvania, I oversaw housing operations for 6,700 residents across 11 college houses, totaling 2.7 million square feet. I led all aspects of building operations, housing occupancy, graduate housing, and off-campus housing services while ensuring a high-quality residential experience. In 2015, I won Penn’s highest staff award, Models of Excellence • Managed a $41M annual operating budget and $21M capital budget, maintaining nearly 100% occupancy. • Supervised 32 full-time staff, 200 student/part-time employees, and contractors, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and exceptional student living experiences. • Directed five major renovations totaling $26M and played a key role in the $140M+ development of Lauder College House, the university’s first purpose-built College House. • Led the Facility Investment and Refurbishment Monies (FIRM) program, allocating $2.3M annually to projects improving student living spaces and addressing deferred maintenance. Show less

• 

  Appalachian State University

  May 2017 - Jul 2024

  As Associate Vice Chancellor, I led comprehensive campus services supporting 20,000 students, including dining, parking, the campus store, conference services, and more. Overseeing 8 direct reports and a team of 200 staff and 600 student employees, I focused on driving operational excellence and enhancing the student experience. • Increased revenue from $38M to $60M by FY24 through strategic initiatives. • Developed the university’s first strategic plans for dining, parking, and the campus store. • Launched the nation’s second Equitable Access course material program, reducing student costs with under 1% opt-out. • Led the renovation of two dining facilities and introduced innovative meal plan options, to-go services, unstaffed markets, and mobile ordering. • Directed major infrastructure projects, including parking decks and a state-of-the-art event space. • Implemented mobile ID technology and modernized parking with license plate recognition systems. • Played a key role in the planning of 2,400 new housing beds and the opening of the Hickory campus. • Recognized as Student Advocate of the Year (2023) and honored by the Independent College Bookstore Association (2022) for leadership. Show less

  • Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services

    Oct 2018 - Jul 2024

  • Director of Auxiliary Services

    May 2017 - Sept 2018
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  Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Jul 2019 - Oct 2019

  External Reviewer

  Part of external peer review team that conducted an assessment of custodial and maintenance services for MIT Housing and Residential Operations.

• 

  Purdue University

  Jul 2024 - now

  Assistant Vice Provost for Student Life