Three Questions With ... Russell “Russ” Warner, The Commons Building Project Manager, Student Affairs Facilities and Operations
Name: Russell “Russ” Warner
Pronouns: He/Him
Title: The Commons Building Project Manager, Student Affairs Facilities and Operations
Years in Student Affairs/at UMBC: A little over three years—I joined UMBC in July 2023.
What is something you do as part of your position that people may not be aware of?
People may know that I coordinate building improvements, repairs, and renovation projects, but they may not realize how much of my work involves mentoring and student development. Through our student maintenance team, I help students grow in character and confidence, practice leadership, solve problems, and take ownership of their work. A maintenance project becomes an opportunity to learn how to communicate, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to any project team they join. Watching students recognize what they are capable of is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
WOIT—“We’re On It Together”—is part of the culture that supports that growth. It reminds us to stay engaged in our work and connected to one another. We make our Student Affairs partners’ concerns our concerns, support each other, and take pride in getting things done together—and celebrating along the way.
What is one of the most important things you’ve learned during your time here?
I’ve learned that strong partnerships begin by making the concerns of our Student Affairs partners my concerns. That has become a shared value within our maintenance team’s culture. We take ownership, follow through, and approach our work “early and often”—addressing needs proactively and staying attentive to the spaces and people we serve. Every project is an opportunity to build trust through both the work we do and how we do it.
What do you like to do for fun and/or is something you are passionate about outside of work?
I enjoy reflection walks. Walking gives me time to organize my thoughts, reflect, and think through strategies for getting projects accomplished. I also enjoy bringing others along. Those walks become opportunities to mentor, share ideas, and observe how work gets done. I believe strong relationships are essential to accomplishing our mission, and sometimes a walk together creates room for a meaningful conversation.
I also enjoy writing and exploring how faith shapes the way I live and lead. I’ve been working on a book called Faithful Leadership, a reflection on the experiences and reflections that have shaped me. I plan to share it with my family as a different way of passing along my legacy—a record of what I’ve learned and what matters to me. Faith provides the scaffolding for my approach to partnering with others, getting things done, and celebrating along the way. And I always appreciate a good laugh!
Bonus question: Anything else you would like to share?
I believe leadership means accomplishing worthwhile work with people while helping them develop and grow along the way. I want our students to leave with more than completed projects on their résumés. I want them to know their contributions matter, have confidence in what they bring to a team, and carry that confidence into whatever comes next. And as we get things done together, I believe we should take time to celebrate the work—and the people who make it possible.
And that is the secret sauce to how we unlock potential and transform lives!
Pullin’ With Ya!
WOIT!
Photo: Warner and student project managers in The Commons Lobby, in front of the "Pun Board." In front row: Truong Bui, Gracia Noe Mulolo Ndalamba. In back row: Aidan Hoagland, Samuel Lian, José Rose, Ashley Yego.