Jonathan Gibb named associate vice president for Facilities Services

Illinois State University has named Jonathan (Jon) Gibb as its new associate vice president for Facilities Services, effective Monday, March 16, 2026, and will report to Vice President for Finance and Planning, Dr. Glen Nelson.

In this role, Gibb will serve as the principal facilities administrator at the University and provides strategic leadership, coordination, and administrative oversight to the entire range of functions and services involved in the effective development and management of the University's physical resources, all in support of the University's academic mission. He will provide provides leadership to the following units: Office of Energy Management, Facilities Management, Superintendence, Environmental Health and Safety, Parking and Transportation, and Facilities Planning.

"We are looking forward to Jon joining Illinois State University," said Nelson. "He brings a broad range of experience to this role, specifically with regards to his background in campus master planning and in leading capital projects. This background will be valuable, as the University is embarking on a significant number of capital projects and as the University is in the early stages of developing a new campus master plan. I'd also like to express appreciation to Rich McDermott, who has served in an interim capacity in this role."

Gibb comes to Illinois State from his most recent position as director of Facilities Planning and Construction at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah. There he generated the campus comprehensive facilities plan to manage development, capital improvement, and deferred maintenance projects of $140 million annually. He also designed and managed the design and construction over a six-year period of three phases of campus housing project, which totaled $115 million and included more than 1,400 beds. He also created a detailed master plan for a new 186-acre campus for an initial building phase of two million square ft., including parking and related infrastructure. While at Utah Tech University, he also managed the campus energy service contract, which resulted in energy reduction of $800,000 annually.

Prior to his role at Utah Tech University, Gibb was project manager for Precision Excavating, Inc., in St. George, Utah. There he consulted alongside development agencies to make sound property acquisitions for land development of more than $20 million and provided leadership for office staff and field operations. He also served as lead field engineer at Hensel Phelps Construction Co., in Denver, Col. There he led field-engineering operations and managed the oversight of project changes and modifications to ensure on-time delivery for construction projects totaling $230 million.

"I am very excited to join the Facilities Services team at Illinois State University," Gibb said. "I love the vibrant student life environment, standardized architecture, and welcoming culture I have experienced thus far. Together we will continue to deliver exceptional service across the campus. I am looking forward to collaborating with faculty and staff on ways to support ISU's mission to deliver transformational learning, enhance the athletic experience, and bolster student services to ensure student success."

Gibb holds a Bachelor of Science in technology management/construction management from Utah Valley University and received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.