Tucked away in the southeast corner of campus is one of the university’s most bustling administrative buildings.

The Sterrett Facility Complex is at the heart of all maintenance, construction, and landscaping activities that take place across the approximately 2,600-acre Blacksburg campus and its 215 buildings. The complex houses offices and shops of maintenance workers, carpenters, landscapers, facility engineers, architects, and many other support services.

Who helps to keep the Facility Complex’s biggest building, Sterrett Center, looking immaculate?

Tammy Agee.

Agee, the 2019 Facilities Department Employee of the Year, has served as a housekeeper at Virginia Tech for 16 years and for the past five years within Sterrett Center.

Each month, the Facilities Department recognizes one employee whose work in direct support services exemplifies a caring and concerned attitude that is above and beyond the normal expectations of their job.

Agee was picked from among 12 Facilities employees who were recognized as Employees of the Month between July 2018 and June 2019. There are more than 400 employees in the department eligible for the award.

Agee not only makes sure Sterrett is sparkling clean both inside and out, she also strives to create a homey atmosphere for all those in Facilities who work tirelessly to support the campus community.

From bringing in plants from home and caring for them, to sharing vegetables from her garden, to ensuring the coffee station is well-stocked for early morning shifts, for Agee, Facilities feels like family.

And that even includes four-legged and feathered family members. Agee takes time to help look after the hummingbirds feeding in front of the building, as well as birds and other natural inhabitants around Sterrett.

Tammy Agee - Faciliites Employee of the Year for 2019
Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Chris Kiwus presented Tammy Agee with a plaque and $1,000 check at the department’s annual summer picnic in July.

“Tammy always provides extra touches to create a better working environment for all of us. She even takes care of the plants throughout the building without you ever even knowing. In addition to keeping things immaculate, the numerous extra things that Tammy does demonstrates how she goes the extra mile for her coworkers and the university,” said a Facilities colleague in a nomination letter for Agee.

When asked about her favorite part of the job, the Floyd native shared that the people in Facilities inspire her to bring a positive attitude day-in and day-out. In addition, she is motivated by the fact that her work is a reflection of the entire Facilities Department.

“Tammy’s work ethic is beyond excellent. Along with a cheery smile and great sense of humor, Tammy consistently goes above and beyond to make Sterrett a great building to work in,” shared another colleague.

Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Chris Kiwus presented Agee with a plaque and $1,000 check at the department’s annual summer picnic.

Outside of work, Agee enjoys gardening, spending time with her granddaughter and family, and attending car shows.


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