In the first weeks of the fall semester, new students wean themselves off bowing their heads and burying their eyes in maps.
As those maps are shelved and students’ fields of view face forward again, they look around and appreciate the scenic landscapes of MSU’s campus–the fruits of Darryl Taylor’s labor.
“We take a lot of pride in making the campus look good,” said Taylor, a landscape gardener for Infrastructure Planning and Facilities. “I have a personal stake in the area that I care for. It’s kind of my little baby."
Taylor has worked for MSU for 25 years and has spent the last 13 years in his current position. He is accustomed to seeing new groups of students navigate their way around campus.
“It’s a new place, a new experience…” Taylor said. “We understand that, and so a lot of times we get the chance to talk to students and help them find their way.”
Taylor said those exchanges are among the many reasons he would describe MSU as “a really nice place to work.”
“The sun is shining, there’s a lot of activity going on, there’s a nice breeze, and there’s interaction with all the people,” Taylor said. “That’s what it’s all about.”