Calm demeanor and a natural ability to put people at ease. Meet Andrew Van Der Stuyf, the new director of Residential Facilities, returning to the University of Maryland to help elevate the students’ residential experience.
Many of you already know him. Andrew served as Assistant Director for Project Management at Residential Facilities for 14 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York, Maritime College, and a master’s in engineering from the University of Maryland’s Clark School of Engineering.
An outdoorsman at heart, Andrew enjoys camping and volunteering in the community. He is also a tradesman with a first-grade stationary engineer’s license who enjoys hands-on work, a passion he pours into the engine room of the Liberty Ship John W. Brown, one of the last fully operational World War II steam ships in Baltimore Harbor, where he volunteers.
While at the University of Maryland, Andrew was both a Terps and Navy football season ticket holder and developed a love for collegiate rivalries. An avid football fan and proud Terp, he couldn’t be happier to return as the new Director of Residential Facilities. Beyond the energy students bring to campus, he values the camaraderie within the department and is excited to lead a diverse team that works cohesively to support both students and the university.
For Andrew, “Home Away from Home” is a guiding vision. He wants Residence Halls to feel welcoming, comfortable, and designed to create community engagement. During his time as Assistant Director for Project Management, he led major transformations, including the construction of Oakland Hall and Prince Frederick Hall. He recalls particularly enjoying the collaborative work with the Department of Resident Life to incorporate student feedback and create spaces important for social interaction, study, and collaboration.
One of his proudest projects? Installing the first green roof at Cumberland Hall in 2008. “I like to see environmental aspects of construction and design being implemented around campus. We were the first to create a vegetative roof by planting over 15,000 sedums.” he recalls. Beyond retaining rainwater and creating natural habitats, the roof gave students a tangible connection to environmental stewardship.
Andrew leads with collaboration, engagement, and alignment of strengths. At the start of every project, he identifies stakeholders, encourages participation, and ensures team members work where their talents and passions align.
“In order to have good partners, we need to be good partners,” he says. He believes in breaking down silos and creating an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and voicing concerns.
Whether you work in Residential Facilities, live in the Residence Halls, or partner with the department, you will hear and see more of Andrew. He enjoys connecting with people directly; through town halls, face-to-face meetings, or simply being out on campus to see you at work. He is a “meet you where you are” leader who values being present and visible in the community he serves.
Welcome back, Andrew!