Three finalists named for UND’s AVP for facilities role

Three finalists for the position of the associate vice president for facilities have been invited to on-campus interviews the weeks of July 22 and 29.

UND’s next associate vice president for facilities will create opportunities for collaboration — supporting areas across all divisions — and improve the overall efficiency of campus facility operations.

From the oversight of design and construction management of new buildings and renovations to the facilities operations and maintenance of campus, the commitment to serve and foster affinity on campus is central to UND’s mission and a critical element of the new UND LEADS Strategic Plan. This dynamic and team-oriented leader will help provide a welcoming campus experience through environmental stewardship.

The schedule for campus participation is below, as well as biographical information provided by the finalists. More details, including Zoom links for open forum participation, can be found on the search website.

Antonio Nubile – July 25-26

• Friday, July 26: Open Forum, 9:30 a.m., Memorial Union Henry Family Ballroom

Antonio “Tony” Nubile has had the opportunity to serve in senior facilities management positions for 16 years, accumulating 20 years of overall facilities management experience. Currently, he acts as the Director of Facilities and Physical Plant at Southwest Minnesota State University, where he reports directly to the Vice President of Administration and Finance. In this role, he oversees all campus facilities operations, including physical space master planning, design and construction management, facilities operations, maintenance and repair, landscaping and grounds, custodial and maintenance services, utilities distribution, real estate, and sustainability initiatives.

Before joining SMSU, Tony served as Facilities and Operations Manager at the University of Kansas. During his tenure there, he was honored with two Sustainability Leadership for Energy Conservation awards from the KU Office of Sustainability. Tony successfully reduced campus energy costs by 20% and decreased trash consumption by 33%, while increasing recycling rates by 100%. His efforts also led to obtaining a grant to support waste diversion projects and achieving certification as an R5 program through the county Environmental Services Division. Additionally, Tony collaborated with the local electrical provider to secure funding for installing six electric charging stations, providing a year’s worth of free service.

At Southwest Minnesota State University, Tony has continued his impactful work by reducing energy consumption by 8%, increasing recycling programs by 50%, and decreasing waste by 25%. He is currently leading efforts to certify the campus as a Bee Campus, fostering pollinator habitats and supporting research opportunities and educational initiatives. Tony’s educational journey includes starting with trade school to become a certified HVAC Technician, earning two Bachelor’s degrees from Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, ND in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies, obtaining a Certified Public Manager credential through KU’s School of Public Affairs and Administration, and achieving a Centrifugal Chiller Certification from Carrier University in Syracuse, NY.

Farrukh Bashir – July 30-31

• Wednesday, July 31: Open Forum, 9:30 a.m., Memorial Union Henry Family Ballroom

Farrukh Bashir is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in facilities management and operations across higher education and healthcare. Currently serving as Associate Director of Facilities Management at the University of Minnesota, Farrukh oversees comprehensive operations, including maintenance, custodial services, project management, and safety protocols within the West Bank district. He collaborates across university divisions to support teaching, research, and outreach missions while integrating environmental sustainability initiatives.

Farrukh has a proven track record in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. His leadership emphasizes employee development, safety culture, and customer service excellence. Prior to his current role, Farrukh served as the Director of Hospital Support Services & Multi-Site Operations at Nicollet Health Services for from 2010 to 2018. The six years previous he spent as the Director of environmental Services with Sodexo Health System, managing multi-site operations and environmental services. He has an extensive background in higher education, having served a total of 10 years in senior level roles at St. Edwards’s University in Austin Texas, the Texas A&M University, and Western Michigan University.

Farrukh has attained all but his dissertation for a doctorate in Education from the University of Minnesota, along with an M.A. in Human Services & Leadership Development from St. Edward’s University and a B.A. in Business/Biology from Minnesota State University. He is a Certified Education Facilities Professional (CEFP), holds a Project Management Certificate from the University of Minnesota, and is a Supervisor’s Tool Kit Trainer Certified by APPA.

Matthew Kibbon – Aug. 1-2

• Friday, Aug. 2: Open Forum, 9:30 a.m., Memorial Union Henry Family Ballroom

Matthew Kibbon grew up in Hampton, Nebraska. He received his bachelor’s degree in construction management from Wayne State College and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. With over a decade of experience overseeing complex facilities operations in higher education, Matthew has developed robust expertise in the field.

Matthew began his career as a carpenter during his undergraduate summers. After graduation, he joined Kiewit Building Group in Omaha and spent twelve years constructing vertical building projects in Omaha and Lincoln.

From 2013 to 2020, Matthew managed the capital construction portfolio for higher education facilities in Wyoming. Initially employed by the State of Wyoming, he was then recruited to the University of Wyoming. At the state level, he served as the owner’s representative and project liaison to the State Building Commission for community college projects. At the University of Wyoming, Matthew managed new construction projects totaling $250M and an additional $300M in design, collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, deans, administration, the board of trustees facilities committee, and legislators.

In May 2020, seeking broader responsibilities, Matthew became the City Administrator for North Platte, NE. This role offered a comprehensive understanding of municipal department management. He worked with the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation on economic development, including securing TIF financing for major projects such as Sustainable Beef, which is estimated to have a $1.0B economic impact. Matthew’s passion for higher education facilities management led him to Cleveland State University in 2022, where he served as the Associate Vice President for Facilities. Although this role was rewarding, the Cleveland area was not the right fit for his family. In January, he became the Vice President for Finance and Facilities/Chief Financial Officer at Minnesota West Community and Technical College. Matthew states he is drawn to the University of North Dakota’s strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. He states opportunity to manage facilities at an esteemed institution like UND, which values continuous improvement and the contributions of its facilities management team, is a compelling and career-defining opportunity for Matthew.