Larry Berry Walking onto campus at Lee University you see clean sidewalks, landscaped buildings and maintained lawns. The architecture and the landscape speak a message of excellence, pride, care, and importance. Everyone has a responsibility on campus to help this institution operate and grow as smoothly as it does. Larry Berry’s role is making a first impression a lasting one. Since March, Berry has been the director of the physical plant. He was in his 11th year with Olivet Nazarene University as the assistant director of the physical plant when he decided to make the move to Lee. “When I researched the school and learned of the environment and about the job, I knew that it could be a great fit for both myself and Lee,” Berry says. Never dreaming his passion could turn into a career, Berry has had a very successful one so far. Berry was instrumental in creating and implementing a program of maintenance of the main soccer field at Olivet. The soccer field was named the national soccer field of the year for colleges and universities by the Sports Turf Management Association (STMA). He also recently became a Certified Sports Turf Manager through the STMA. This was achieved by meeting educational and professional requirements and completing a rigid four part written test. According to Berry, only 66 people in the nation have achieved this certification. Much like Lee, Olivet has experienced tremendous growth over the past 8 years, which has resulted in massive projects and new construction. Berry recognizes this growing period as an important part in Lee’s history. He is looking forward to applying what he has learned at Olivet to Lee’s campus. “I believe in the school’s mission and purpose, and that is one of the main reasons I came to Lee.” At the heart of Berry you will find service. He works hard each day to maintain the campus and furnish its every need. Berry explains the complication of this task, “Changes in priorities happen daily, so we need to stay flexible to try to serve the campus to the best of our ability.” His service is extended as he coaches a local baseball team of 15 year olds. In his spare time, Berry speaks about turf management, sharing what he has learned about the industry, and sings in the choir at his local church. He is also a dedicated husband and the father of three children. So if the grass is greener on this side of Ocoee, perhaps it’s because Lee has a secret, Larry Berry.