CMU names new facilities management leader

Mary Hill, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services, today announced that Sam Phillips will serve as Central Michigan University’s next associate vice president of facilities management. 

Phillips brings more than three decades of executive experience across higher education and hospitality, including an 18-year leadership career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in facilities management, university operations and a range of administrative and business services. Prior to IUP, Phillips spent 16 years as a full-service hotel and conference center property executive.

“I’m delighted to have Sam join the CMU Team,” said Chief Financial Officer Mary Hill. “He has a reputation for being well organized and building strong, collaborative relationships. Those skills, in addition to his breadth of knowledge in leading large, complex facilities and hospitality management teams, will truly be assets for CMU.”

As CMU’s associate vice president of facilities management, Phillips will provide leadership, strategic direction and administrative oversight of the facilities management department. This includes campus planning, project design and construction, custodial service and landscape operations, campus operations and maintenance, the Central Energy Facility, and more. 

Phillips was selected following a national search that began in February.  As AVP, he will oversee a facilities management team of approximately 175 staff with a budget of around $32 million, and a capital construction program of roughly $180 million.

"I'm honored to join Central Michigan University and excited to work alongside the talented Facilities Management team,” he said. “I look forward to becoming part of the CMU and Mount Pleasant communities and contributing to a student-centered culture of collaboration, service excellence, and strategic stewardship of this remarkable campus.”

Phillips will serve as associate vice president of facilities management beginning July 6, 2026.

Phillips holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.