Whatever The Title, Tucker's Focus Has Been Service

When Jim Tucker retires from the University of Cincinnati on Sept. 1, it will mark the conclusion of a career distinguished by an exceptional rise through the institutional ranks as well as initiatives that have made UC a model of service, efficiency and environmental management.

Tucker began his UC career in 1977 as a parking attendant. Over the years, he has been a grounds supervisor, building supervisor, manager of parking services, director of parking services, director of facilities, associate vice president for administrative services, and vice president for administrative and business services. Along the way, Tucker earned degrees in management, marketing, and computer science, an MBA, and is now on his way to completing studies for a Ph.D. He holds the designation of Certified Facility Manager from the International Facility Management Association and Certified Energy Manager from the Association of Energy Engineers.

It’s no surprise, then, that he describes UC as "a place with plenty of opportunity if you're willing to look for it and work."

Certified in energy management and Six Sigma, and committed to a total quality approach, Tucker implemented innovative technologies and return on investment projects that resulted in millions of dollars in annual savings for the university. The initiatives he managed resulted in energy savings, increased recycling volume, improved services and upgraded facilities.

"I greatly appreciate Jim’s unflagging support of UC|21, especially his work on accountability and performance measures," said UC President Nancy Zimpher. "He has truly made a difference at the University of Cincinnati."

As vice president, Tucker has responsibility for combined operations of 1,800 employees and 9.2 million square feet of building space comprised of 95 facilities valued at more than $1.7 billion, and an annual budget responsibility of $202 million. His division encompasses Campus Services; Facilities Management; Utilities, Purchasing and Materiel Management; Public Safety; Human Resources; and the Office of Equal Opportunity. With the opening of the university’s newest facility in February 2006, Tucker also has responsibility for the Campus Recreation Center and Intramurals. He is currently a member of the UC Alumni Executive Board and the Hoxworth Blood Center Community Advisory Board.

Under Tucker’s leadership, the university achieved much national recognition. The Administrative and Business Services Division earned the 2003 Governor’s Award for Excellence, which recognized the division as an outstanding example of excellence in the State of Ohio, exhibiting "world class" processes that serve as role models for others.
 In 2001, Tucker received the Award for Excellence in Facilities Management, the highest institutional honor from the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers. This international organization represents over 4,500 members worldwide.

The 18,000 member International Facilities Management Association acknowledged  Tucker in 1999 for his outstanding contribution to the facilities management profession and for the development of the organization. This organization is represented in 30 countries around the globe. Also in 1999, Tucker was named the Energy Executive of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers, representing 70 countries and 8,000 members.

Tucker is internationally recognized in the fields of continuous quality improvement, energy management techniques, utility contract negotiations, return on investment projects, and facilities management. Frequently featured in trade publications, journals, and newspapers, he has consulted with and presented to numerous public and private organizations, including the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Public Schools, and AK Steel.

A Cincinnati native, Tucker grew up in Groesbeck and graduated from LaSalle High School. He now lives in Loveland.

"The people and the relationships make UC distinctive for me," he said. "A lot of people here really care about the place. They commit and stay for years. You don't find that in corporate America. The people make it fun."

Faculty and staff are invited to attend a retirement reception in his honor on August 16, 2006, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., in Great Hall, Tangeman University Center. The program will begin at 3:00. RSVP to rushje@ucmail.uc.edu