Building Excellence: Jose Morales

04/02/2025

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Jose Morales

As Florida State’s campus continues to grow, Project Managers play an essential role in planning and overseeing these projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and meet the required standards. As a Project Manager for Planning, Design & Construction, Jose Morales does a standout job of doing all of this and more in his role.

Morales began working at FSU in August 2024. Before joining FSU, Morales gained valuable experience in the construction industry working as the Capital Projects Construction Coordinator in the Aviation Department at the City of Tallahassee’s Tallahassee International Airport, where he managed various construction activities, including airfield pavements and terminal remodels. His responsibilities included overseeing quality standards, managing costs, scheduling, and addressing risks. Prior to this, he served as a Construction Superintendent at Oliver Sperry Renovation, a local general contracting firm, where he led on-site teams, ensured safety compliance, and successfully completed projects on time and within budget.

Morales holds a bachelor's degree in environmental design from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, and a Master of Architecture degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

In his current role at FSU, Morales is responsible for the planning, organization, and oversight of multiple projects on both the main campus and the Ringling Campus in Sarasota, Florida. This involves coordinating resources, collaborating with various stakeholders, and ensuring that the execution of each project runs smoothly. A typical day for Morales begins around 6:30 AM, where he reviews project statuses, checks in with project teams, and prioritizes tasks. Much of his time is spent in meetings, where he reviews timelines, budgets, and addresses any concerns or changes. Morales also dedicates a significant portion of his day to managing progress across the two campuses, communicating with contractors, architects, and internal departments to ensure that everyone is aligned and that projects stay on track.

Morales' favorite part of working at FSU is the opportunity to contribute to the growth and improvement of the campus. He finds it incredibly rewarding to see the projects he manages come to life, knowing that they will have a lasting impact on students, faculty, and staff. Collaborating with a talented team and solving complex challenges also keeps him motivated and excited about his work every day.

Outside of work, Morales enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly walking around his community. He also has a passion for cooking and enjoys trying out new recipes, finding it to be a great way to relax and unwind after a busy day.

Morales has a small, close-knit family that includes his supportive wife and their 1-year-old daughter, who is quickly learning how to walk and will soon be chasing him around the yard. They also have three dogs: Enzo the hound, Pinot the Chihuahua, and Max, the crazy one who keeps the family on their toes!