Crenshaw Appointed Director of Southern Miss Physical Plant

The University of Southern Mississippi has appointed Dr. Chris Crenshaw to serve as director of its Physical Plant, beginning Sept. 1. Crenshaw is currently director of the university's Department of Residence Life, a position he has held the past five years.

As director of the Physical Plant, Crenshaw will oversee all Hattiesburg campus building projects, facility maintenance, custodial and grounds services and supervision of administration and staff in these areas. He replaces Rusty Postlewate, who is leaving for a similar position at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

“While it's difficult to leave such an outstanding team of wonderful people in Residence Life, I look forward to serving the university in this capacity and continuing to be involved in the university's growth and expansion.”

Crenshaw has been directly involved in managing a variety of Department of Residence Life construction and expansion projects, including the new 864-bed Century Park residential community, considered the largest construction project ever at the university; and The Village, a gated community with 10 residential facilities serving more than 350 female students that opened in fall 2007.

He has also overseen multiple initiatives resulting in the modernization and improvement of existing residence life facilities, as well as the introduction of new living-learning communities for the College of Business and School of Nursing.

“Chris has done a great job as director of Residence Life, and I know he will apply his experience and skills for an even greater good as director of our Physical Plant,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joe Paul.

A native of Caruthersville, Mo., Crenshaw holds a bachelor's degree in personnel management, master's degree in counseling and student personnel services and a doctorate in higher education administration from Southern Miss. He also earned an associate's degree in heating and air conditioning from Jones County Junior College.

He has served in a variety of other positions in more than 18 years as a Southern Miss employee, including as associate director of business and operations for Residence Life; associate director of Union and Student Activities; and assistant director for Greek Life.

Crenshaw is also an associate graduate faculty member for the Department of Educational Studies and Research, and has been an instructor for the university's Leadership Scholars class. He is president of the Mississippi Association of Housing Officers (MAHO) and chairman of next year's regional conference for the Southeast Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO).  

A national search will be conducted to find a new director of the Department of Residence Life.