Behind the millions spent on construction and renovations on TCU's campus in the last ten years stands one man: Harold Leeman.

Leeman, director, facility planning and construction, accepted the 2013 Chancellor's Staff Award for Outstanding Service.

The award was presented at the university's Opening Luncheon, an event that brings together faculty and staff to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year.

During Leeman's ten years with the university, he said he has led countless building projects and has been a key player in the university's commitment to sustainability.

Leeman said his work on campus ranges from overseeing and planning the new residence halls in Worth Hills to the buildings in the Campus Commons.

He said he is currently working on plans for another residence hall in Worth Hills as well as two new academic buildings and improvements to the Mary Couts Burnett Library.

A photo of Leeman will be hung on the fourth floor in M.E. Sadler Hall next to the previous winners dating back to the award's inception in 2003.

Leeman was one of seven staff members nominated for the award, Chancellor Victor Boschini said. Boschini also said he found it difficult to select a winner because all of the nominees consistently go above and beyond expectations.

Leeman said he felt very honored and humbled after hearing he had been chosen as the recipient for the award.

Boschini said he believes Leeman has a great spirit about him and a positive attitude.

“He always tries to turn any situation around to get a positive out of it,” Boschini said.

“He really gets it. I think that’s what I like most about working with him,” Craig Allen, director of Housing and Residence Life, said. Having worked together since 2005, Allen said Leeman has always been appreciative and caring.

“He really understands my role as director of housing and tries to provide the very best housing experience for students. He’s very respectful of opinions that I bring to the table,” Allen said.

On top of his involvement in numerous current and future building projects, Leeman said he would also like to return to the classroom.

Before arriving at the university, he taught Soil Mechanics and Structural Analysis at the U.S. Military Academy. He said teaching was rewarding because he was able to influence students on their curriculum, ethics and morals.

“I can’t do that here by building. I’m not teaching, but I think the influence of good places to live, work and play are a part of a college experience, and so I’ve still had an influence, just in a different way," Leeman said.

Although Leeman would enjoy a teaching career, he said he cannot pass up his current position at the university. Leeman said he loves being involved in the construction and helping to change the campus.