For the past six years, Ronnie Breckenridge has overseen maintenance and operations at Christian Brothers University as Director of Physical Plant and Maintenance. Alongside a team of six, Breckenridge manages all aspects related to mechanical and electrical systems, plumbing, and equipment upkeep on campus. Groundskeeping and custodial duties are handled by contractors.

Breckenridge’s responsibilities range from routine repairs like fixing faucets or changing light bulbs to larger projects such as coordinating restoration efforts in the Alfonso Dining Hall after a fire damaged part of the building. “I have a major role in that work,” said Breckenridge. “I am the point of contact managing that project and seeing it through to the end. I deal with the insurance, the mitigation efforts, and emergency services. Pretty much, if there’s a disaster, it falls into my plate, whether it’s full or not.”

Before joining CBU, Breckenridge worked for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis on Shelby Oaks Drive. He was encouraged to join CBU’s Facility Services team by his former supervisor from the Diocese who had taken a job at the university. Breckenridge quickly advanced within CBU due to his experience and work ethic.

“Ronnie works hard every day to ensure our facilities are ready to go for the students, faculty, and staff,” said Dr. Andrew Assadollahi, Dean and Professor in the Gadomski School of Engineering. “He takes his vocation very seriously and always thinks, ‘How can I make this better for the students?’”

Managing multiple buildings requires strong organizational skills from Breckenridge. He described handling everyday requests such as cabinet repairs in student kitchenettes as well as preparing dormitories during summer breaks: “A student will call in and say the cabinet broke in their kitchenette,” said Breckenridge. “We handle day-to-day issues like that, and during the summer, when students move away, we do a complete ‘get-ready’ on all of the dorm areas to be prepared for the next semester. We fix all bulbs and faucets, repaint, and overall get everything back in shape. There’s a short amount of time and a lot to do.”

Despite constant demands on his schedule, Breckenridge enjoys his work environment: “It’s fun,” said Breckenridge. “I like it. I like it all. There are times that are challenging, but I like fast-paced energy. I’m kind of a hyper person!”

One personal highlight during his tenure was when his wife completed her bachelor’s degree at CBU—a benefit provided by his employment at the university: “That was a perk of me working here. She could attend school for free,” said Breckenridge. “She started that degree prior to us meeting 30-something years ago. Once we started a family, she pulled out of school. When I got to work here, our kids had graduated and moved away so she went back and finished a degree in business management. That makes her the smarty-pants in the house.”

Colleagues recognize both his dedication and approachability on campus.“Ronnie is a man of loyalty and dedication to Christian Brothers University,” said Beth Gerl, Vice President for Student Affairs.“He’s a great colleague to work with morning noon and night!”

Breckenridge's office is located within Campus Facilities in CBU's Maintenance Building.