Ashley Talbert’s journey from Los Angeles to Northeast Louisiana has been guided by a commitment to education and student support. After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education — with a focus on early childhood and special education — Talbert spent years shaping young minds in the classroom. However, the challenges of COVID prompted a period of reflection, inspiring her to explore new ways to make an immediate and lasting impact on students’ lives. Now, as Grambling State University’s building coordinator, she leverages her organizational skills, collaborative mindset and dedication to student well-being to create safe, comfortable and thriving campus spaces.
Facilities Maintenance Decisions: What made you pursue a career in facilities management?
Ashley Talbert: My path into facilities management evolved naturally from the desire to serve students in a different capacity outside of the traditional classroom. I realized that ensuring students’ living and learning environments are safe, functional and supportive is just as impactful as teaching. I wanted to be part of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a university running and creates spaces where students can thrive.
FMD: What was your first job in the field, and how did it shape your career?
Talbert: My first official introduction to this field began in 2016 when I served as the technology coordinator for my school. That role required me to work closely with technicians and teachers to set up the network and establish our technology center. Through that experience, I was exposed to facilities operations, project coordination and the importance of strong communication between departments. It shaped my career by teaching me how interconnected facilities work is with every other functional area.
FMD: How long have you held your current job, and what are your job responsibilities? What does a typical day/week look like for you?
Talbert: I began my current role in January 2025, and I truly hit the ground running. I help oversee the health and safety of more than 1,700 students, as all freshmen are required to live on campus to support their transition into adulthood and community life. Working within student affairs, my responsibilities include reviewing and submitting work orders, processing vendor invoices, walking buildings with health and safety teams — including RAs and local fire marshals — managing locksmith requests and coordinating with custodial services and maintenance. I also collaborate with campus partners such as physical plant, intramurals, and community leaders. Every day is different, but all of it centers around ensuring students have a safe, comfortable and supportive living experience.
FMD: Are there any pivotal moments or decisions that significantly impacted your career?
Talbert: One of the most pivotal moments for me is always move-in day. Watching freshmen arrive — many leaving home for the first time — reminds me of my own transition from California to Louisiana. Seeing their excitement, nerves and sense of independence reinforces why I do this work. Those moments ground me, especially on challenging days, and remind me that creating a welcoming, safe environment can fundamentally shape a student’s college experience.
FMD: What skills or certifications have been most valuable to your success?
Talbert: Communication and collaboration have been the most valuable skills in my role because facilities management is fundamentally a service position. I must be able to clearly communicate student needs, coordinate with multiple partners and uphold university and state safety standards. Staying informed about OSHA recommendations, campus safety guidelines and best practices in areas like water treatment, sewage and HVAC has also strengthened my ability to oversee operations. Additionally, working closely with vendors allows me to create opportunities for students to explore facilities management as a potential career.
FMD: What accomplishments in your career are you proudest of?
Talbert: One of my proudest accomplishments has been integrating our university’s STAR Management system into our facilities operations. This change created a streamlined communication channel for technicians and students and allowed us to implement a closed-loop service model that enhances efficiency and accountability. It has significantly improved the quality and clarity of service across our department.
FMD: What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a facility manager?
Talbert: For anyone interested in becoming a facility manager, I recommend starting by exploring the various types of facilities roles — residential, like mine, is very different from commercial operations. Spend time talking with the laborers and technicians because their hands-on experience provides invaluable knowledge you cannot learn from a textbook. This is a very hands-on field, and you must be willing to take on tasks outside your formal job description. Adaptability is essential, and so is the willingness to respond quickly to issues while maintaining a commitment to service excellence.
FMD: What do you enjoy most about working in facilities?
Talbert: What I enjoy most about facilities work is understanding that, just like our bodies and everything around us, buildings and systems require maintenance to function and last. It is rewarding to take care of things, ensure they operate safely and provide excellent service to our campus community. Hearing “thank you” or “I appreciate you—this was an emergency” is incredibly fulfilling because it means I helped someone in a meaningful way.
Are you interested in sharing your career path with the readers of Facility Maintenance Decisions? Contact Jeff Wardon at jeff.wardon@tradepress.com
