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Drury hires executive director of facilities

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A new leadership hire tasked with overseeing and maintaining facilities at Drury University was recently announced.

Officials at the higher education institution said in a news release Alex Riddle was chosen as its new executive director of facilities. Riddle, who started in late March, brings more than 30 years of experience as an operations manager and engineer, including management of manufacturing and agriculture projects across the Midwest.

He succeeds Jeremi Maffei, who last month exited the university to move with his wife, who took a job in Arkansas, according to spokesperson Jasmine Cooper.

Riddle comes to Drury from Carthage, where since 2013 he owned and operated his family ranch, dubbed Riddle Ranch, before recently handing over management responsibilities to his son, according to the release. At the ranch, he oversaw 320 acres and 100 head of cattle, engaging in the research and application of modern ranching techniques to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

Previously, Riddle worked in Lamar for four years with Thorco Industries, where he held stints as director of manufacturing and business unit manager, according to the release. While there, he managed profit and loss, oversaw operations of wire and fixture manufacturing in a 500,000-square-foot facility, and revised and implemented new workflow management procedures to enhance productivity. Past employment experience includes Paul Mueller Co., Honeywell International Inc. and The Boeing Co. A 1987 graduate of Missouri State University, Riddle received a bachelor’s degree in drafting and design.

“I am honored to join the Drury community and the talented team of facilities professionals on campus,” Riddle said in the release. “The facilities department is all about service and maintaining a beautiful and well-functioning campus for students, faculty, staff and everyone who calls Drury home.”

Riddle is responsible for managing Drury’s facility maintenance and HVAC staff of 33 people, developing a preventative and corrective maintenance plan to improve the quality of facilities, overseeing the strategic plan for campus grounds, and maintaining all residential housing units.

“Alex has exceptional knowledge and expertise for this role, and I look forward to seeing what his rich experience brings to Drury,” said Aaron Jones, interim chief operations officer, in the release.

Riddle joins a leadership team that includes new interim President John Beuerlein, who started in the role March 27 after the resignation of Tim Cloyd.

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