As vice president for Physical Facilities and chief public safety officer, Jay Wasson leads Purdue’s physical facilities and public safety departments in support of the University’s learning, discovery, and engagement mission. Physical Facilities identifies, prioritizes, and delivers needed capital project investments and related services through expertise in architecture, asset management, construction, planning, project management, and sustainability. Public Safety provides a safe and secure environment for the campus community with comprehensive police, fire, and emergency preparedness capabilities. Wasson sets the strategic direction for over 400 professional employees and student workers to provide safe, reliable, and transformative service delivery. Physical Facilities and Public Safety have an operating budget of more than $20 million, with an additional pipeline of capital projects valued at nearly $1 billion.
Wasson received a Bachelor’s of Science, and a Master’s of Science in Civil Engineering, and a Master’s of Business Administration all from Purdue University. He is a registered professional engineer in Indiana. Before joining the Purdue Physical Facilities organization in December 2015, he spent over 21 years at the Indiana Department of Transportation, where he rose to the role of Chief Engineer and Deputy Commissioner for Engineering and Asset Management.
Current Projects
Hypersonics and Applied Research Facility, 64,600 GSF, $41M, Occupancy: April 2023
Ross-Ade Stadium Renovation, 27,300 GSF, $45.4M, Occupancy: September 2023
Mackey Arena Locker Rooms Renovation, 12,500 GSF, $7M, Occupancy: October 2023
Libraries Study Space Renovation, 86,600 GSF, $10M, Occupancy: January 2024
Max W & Maileen Brown Family Hall of Electrical Engineering First Floor Renovation, 32,000 GSF, $14.6M, Occupancy: July 2024
Data Science Building and Related Renovations, 156,400 GSF, $52.8M, Occupancy: August 2024
Zucrow High-Speed Propulsion Lab, 54,500 GSF, $73M, Occupancy: January 2025
Life Science Ranges Phenotyping Greenhouse Building, 20,000 GSF, $20M, Occupancy: May 2025
Mechanical Engineering Building Renovation, 41,000 GSF, $25M, Occupancy: June 2025
University Hall and Related Renovations, 74,200 GSF, $46.6M, Occupancy: August 2026