Statement from Rick Lee-Winthrop University Board of Trustee member

“A number of people have contacted me to ask questions about the tall grass and maintenance at the Winthrop Farm and on the main campus. I wanted to let all of my friends know that Winthrop is in the process of changing our approach to facilities/grounds maintenance. In the past, we have used actual Winthrop maintenance personnel to cut the grass, maintain the buildings and support operations. Unfortunately, Winthrop has experienced significant turnover in our facilities management area over the past couple of years and continues to have more than 40 vacant slots at any given time. This has placed a severe burden on our employees and not allowed us to meet our maintenance obligations in the professional manner that Winthrop has always strived to achieve. Consequently, we are in the process of soliciting a contract for a private company to take over our facilities responsibilities. Winthrop continues to support our maintenance employees that are still on staff and those in good standing will be interviewed for roles with the new company. With all the rain, the grass has grown faster than our limited number of grounds personnel can mow. As of last week we have contracted with three companies to augment our grounds maintenance team so you will be seeing the results quickly. As to the Farm, we are experimenting to develop what golfers know as “the rough”, along the disc golf course. These natural looking prairie-like areas along the disc golf course will take some will take some time to mature so please be patient…Winthrop is healthy and on the Grow. Our student population is increasing in all categories of undergraduate, graduate and transfer students. We have new programs in engineering, proposal/grant writing, aviation management, cyber protection and a number of other areas that are forward looking and unique in SC. The concern expressed by so many of my friends demonstrates the importance our community places on a healthy and prosperous Winthrop. I appreciate everyone’s patience and am glad to answer any questions.”