Leading from the Ground Up: Meet Director of Grounds Operations Tyler MorrisÂ
Date - 31 August , 2026
Leading from the Ground Up: Meet Director of Grounds Operations Tyler Morris
Tyler Morris has joined Florida State University's Facilities, Grounds, and Landscaping department as Director of Grounds Operations. A Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in turfgrass sciences, Tyler brings more than nine years of experience in grounds and sports field management in both higher education and professional sports to his new role at FSU. He will oversee efforts to maintain a safe, clean, and sustainable landscaped environment for the campus community.
A Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM), Tyler joins FSU after more than 3 years as Head Sports Field Manager at MetLife Stadium, where he oversaw turf maintenance and field preparation for NFL home teams, including the New York Giants and New York Jets, as well as FIFA soccer matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Before his role with MetLife Stadium, he held roles as Assistant Grounds Manager and Athletic Fields Coordinator at Vanderbilt University.
For the past decade, landscape operations have been a significant part of Tyler's daily responsibilities, from trimming roses to installing new landscape areas around campus buildings. When asked how he approaches balancing campus appearance, sustainability, operational needs, and available resources, Tyler shares that his three biggest goals are accessibility, consistency, and visibility: "My goal is to empower our Grounds team to stay ahead of issues that affect campus access, safety, and appearance while also using our resources responsibly. I want to provide the team with the tools, training, and resources necessary to maintain a consistent campus experience as faculty, staff, students, and visitors move from building to building throughout the day. I also believe sustainability comes through thoughtful planning—selecting appropriate plant material, managing turf and landscapes efficiently, and making decisions that provide long-term value rather than simply focusing on the immediate result."
As Tyler takes the helm at Grounds, he notes that his biggest leadership value is communication and visibility. Although he oversees a large campus area and a significant team, he believes communication must be clear and concise to get the message across. " It is also just as important to remain visible in the field, not only for employees but for partners as well, so they can understand that I want to work together to create a more beautiful campus."
A Maryland native, Tyler notes nearby family and warmer weather as major motivators for his move to Tallahassee and Florida State. He aspires to work in an environment where he can make an impact. He also cites the FSU team as a motivator. "I truly believe FSU has great people who deserve to be recognized and appreciated for the work they are doing. By coming here, I accept the challenge of building something great and am excited to get to work!"
Tyler's hobbies include trying new food places, shopping, and cooking. A fun fact about Tyler is that he has traveled across the U.S. and Europe for work-related travel. Join us in welcoming Tyler to FSU and FSU Facilities. Next time you see Tyler in Mendenhall B, or more likely out and about on campus, be sure to say hello and introduce yourself!