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Robert Henley returns July 22.
Robert Henley returns July 22.

Henley returns as GM of University Plaza

Posted online
Last edited 3:09 p.m., July 19, 2013

Robert Henley, who left the John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts-owned University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in April, is slated to return next week as general manager.

Henley, who left his job at the hotel and convention center to become general manager of Norfolk (Va.) Waterside Marriott and to live closer to family, is coming back to Springfield for his former job July 22, according to a news release. Henley could not be reached at University Plaza or the Virginia hotel. JQH Vice President of Sales and Revenue Management Phill Burgess also could not be reached for comment.

“We, and the city of Springfield, are fortunate to have Robert back. He brings a combination of strategic vision and a hands-on approach to make progress happen,” said Jacquie Dowdy, CEO of JQH Hotels & Resorts, in the release.

University Plaza Assistant General Manager Kevin Klein has led the property in the interim.

A nine-year veteran of JQH Hotels who had served as general manager of University Plaza for a year, Henley led the property to a 2012 revenue increase of 20 percent.

He'll lead the multiphase, $3 million renovation of University Plaza, which began this month, the release said.

Phase I, scheduled for completion by the end of this year, refurbishes the property's exterior, including paint and asphalt, landscaping, waterproofing windows, enhancements at the front entry and new signage. Phase II, set for spring 2014, would bring capital improvements to the first-floor lobby and restaurant and bar. Phase III, scheduled for completion in 2015, would add a Caffeina's Internet Cafe to the hotel, according to the release.

“University Plaza Hotel is Springfield’s hotel, and we look forward to making it even more special of an inviting centerpiece that complements downtown,” Henley said in the release.[[In-content Ad]]

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