Terry Major has seen Southeast Missouri State University go through a lot of changes in his time as a staff member.
Terry began working at Southeast in 1985 as a custodian. Since then, he has worked his way through the ranks from lead custodian to assistant custodial supervisor to custodial supervisor. He then became interim buildings and grounds supervisor before being promoted to his current position as Facilities Management manager for grounds, custodial, support services and fleet.
Terry is probably more familiar with the campus grounds than anyone. He is currently working towards a management degree with a minor in horticulture from Southeast.
“When I acquired leadership over the grounds, I changed directions [from management] and started taking as many horticulture classes as I could,” Terry said. “I have a special interest in horticulture. I really enjoy working with the grounds.”
Terry is a firm believer in hard work, and he makes that evident in his career at Southeast, setting a great example for his fellow Facilities Management staff.
“My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me at a young age. I always strive to do the absolute best at whatever I am doing,” Terry said.
Without a doubt, Terry is dedicated to his job, but that does not mean he is not a family man. In fact, his family is what means the most to him, and supporting them is what he works so hard for each day.
“Your faith, family and friends are what it is all about, and although we need the other stuff to make that better, don’t let it consume your time with faith, family and friends,” Terry advises.
Terry says his favorite thing to do is spend time with his wife and daughter, whether it be at home or on one of their many vacations.
“We have always enjoyed great family vacations because of the quality of time we have with each other. We have been all over eastern and central United States along with some of the Canadian and Mexican border,” Terry shared. “We still have a lot we want to see here, but I would also love to see Australia and the United Kingdom.”
Terry says that over the years, he has enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, hunting and exotic birds.
He offers the following advice to Southeast students: “Don’t procrastinate. We only have a designated number of hours on this old earth, and we need to make use of every one of them.”