‘Swiss Army knife’ of KU facilities creates welcoming environments for the research community
Suzanne Kerich | Facilities Manager | Office of Research
An often-overlooked component of research is where it takes place. Dedicated facilities managers like Suzanne Kerich maintain buildings and workplace cultures to ensure that researchers and support staff can focus on their discoveries.
Kerich has worked at KU since 2018. She currently serves as the facilities manager for several buildings, including the Wakarusa Research Facility and St. Andrew’s Research Facility, where social science and behavioral research is conducted. She also stepped in to share oversight of KU’s Life Sciences Research Laboratories after the death of a colleague last year.
“Suzanne has been the Swiss Army knife of KU research facilities,” said Erik Lundquist, associate vice chancellor for research and professor of molecular biosciences. “She is considerate, prompt and conscientious about facilities and their occupants, and she always tries to help.”
Another building Kerich manages is Youngberg Hall in KU’s West District. Until recently, the building housed the Office of Research, which oversees research administration, development, and integrity, among other areas. She collaborated with numerous colleagues to support a smooth transition to the office’s new spaces in Strong Hall and Carruth-O’Leary Hall.
During KU Research’s time in Youngberg, Kerich played an integral role in onboarding staff. She coordinated with IT to ensure computer equipment was ready for incoming employees and introduced them to new colleagues during a tour of the building. Aside from hiring committee members, Kerich was often the first person a KU Research staff member would meet.
“Suzanne does her job in a kind and friendly manner, always with a smile,” Lundquist said. “She is truly a joy to work with.”
Kerich’s role in cultivating a welcoming environment continues beyond a colleague’s first day. As an active member of the KU Research Social Committee, she helps plan events that sustain connections among office staff, most of whom are hybrid or remote workers.
“For social events, Suzanne acquires space, coordinates catering, and gets us all free event parking,” said Brad Banks, grant coordinator and chair of the social committee. “She is the champion of Youngberg Hall and goes out of her way to get KU research employees anything they need to make their jobs or lives easier.”
Kerich has dealt with her fair share of unexpected facilities challenges. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped distribute IT and other office equipment to staff as they transitioned to remote work. Colleagues say her efforts allowed them to focus on adapting their support at a time when research was especially needed to help solve a problem of global importance.
“During the pandemic she did a wonderful job of getting new computers and supplies to people who needed them. I remember she had a few standing desks available, and I went to pick one up during the height of lockdown without any trouble at all,” Banks said. “Suzanne is a generous person who really cares about us all and making KU research thrive.”
