Jeff McManus, executive director of Grounds and Landscape at The University of Texas at Austin, has been honored with the E. Earl Wilson Award by the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) for his long-term dedication to the industry.
PGMS previously recognized McManus for his leadership in the industry, awarding him the 2021 PGMS Special Award of Distinguished Service, the 2016 President’s Award and Grand Awards in 2013 and 2022 for his work at the University of Mississippi.
McManus was recruited to UT in Spring 2025 from the University of Mississippi, where he oversaw The Grove, one of the most famous campus landmarks in the country. Now, McManus is helping the Forty Acres put its best foot forward for events like Gone to Texas and commencement.
“We want this to be one of the most special, most beautiful campuses in America,” McManus said.
In addition to landscape design, installation and maintenance, McManus’ team focuses on tree preservation and water conservation, as well as raising awareness of the vital role native pollinators play in the campus landscape.
