Paula Melchert, senior campus planner for Planning, Architecture and Real Estate (PARE) is now serving as president of the Higher Education Facilities Management Alliance (HEFMA), a professional association focused on shaping the future of campus planning and facilities management at Big Ten universities.
“It’s been a privilege to serve alongside such a thoughtful and dedicated group of colleagues,” Melchert said. “We have members from across the Big Ten who bring valuable insights to the table, and I really enjoy working with them.”
The current HEFMA board includes members from the University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin, University of Notre Dame and University of Illinois-Chicago. Melchert’s term as president will conclude in November when new officers are elected.
“This work keeps us engaged with the latest innovations in campus spaces and the evolving needs of different university communities,” said Melchert. “Seeing how different institutions respond to emerging demands allows us to refine our approach, ensuring that our spaces remain adaptable, forward-thinking and responsive to the ever-changing landscape of higher education.”
HEFMA serves as a hub for professionals in campus planning, design, construction and facilities management. The alliance fosters innovation through knowledge-sharing, benchmarking and collaborative initiatives among member universities. Each year, members are brought together for a conference hosted at a different campus, fostering collaboration and idea exchange via building tours and sessions on pertinent topics. Comprehensive surveys of campus spaces are put together allowing board members to assess how each institution can align and evolve.
“The connections we build, the conversations we have and the collective commitment to shaping the future of higher education spaces create an environment that is so exciting to bring back to Ohio State.”