Congratulations to IP&O’s Associate Director of Plants, Robert E. Williams, who was selected to receive the Pride of Rutgers in Frontline Service Award as part of the annual Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program.

This award recognizes and celebrates the dedication, exceptional performance, and positive impact of frontline staff members at Rutgers University. This award honors those who provide outstanding services that contribute and enhance the overall experience of the Rutgers community.

Williams and honorees in other categories were recognized at a luncheon at the Rutgers Club on November 14. President William Tate IV presented the awards to all of the honorees and posed for pictures with winners in each category.

Williams’ job is critical to the entire Rutgers enterprise. Rutgers’ research areas, for example, require specific room temperatures for the integrity of their work, especially where vivarium are in use. The RBHS co-generation plant in Newark provides heating and cooling to a level 1 trauma hospital center in addition to the campus.

Heating and cooling our healthcare and clinical areas help keep our patients comfortable, and our students require comfortable classrooms, study areas, and living spaces.

Many advancements and improvements have been made under Williams’ supervision. Under his own initiative, for example, Williams is transforming the trigeneration plant into a powerful educational platform. He has partnered with Rutgers departments in engineering, environmental science, and sustainability to open the plant for educational tours, student projects, and hands-on learning opportunities.

This novel approach to his work benefits Rutgers students and employees alike. In another initiative, Williams has been instrumental in developing an apprenticeship program to encourage boiler operator careers. Like many trade positions, boiler operator positions have become difficult to fill. Williams’ efforts in developing an apprenticeship program have resulted in greater interest among employees to pursue careers as boiler operators. The program allows employees to continue working at their own jobs as they apprentice to learn about the requirements of running a power plant.

Early on, Williams recognized the cyber risks that threaten power plants. His “Cybersecurity: Everyone’s Responsibility” campaign is now standard onboarding for every Utilities employee.

Williams is very cognizant of his employees’ welfare. He has worked over the years to teach his team to take immense pride in the plant’s condition, maintaining impeccably clean floors, walls, and machinery. He believes in creating a better working environment for all, stating, “This is our house; this is where we work. I want it to be a better environment for all of us.”

Williams has a long history with Rutgers. He first arrived at Rutgers in 1985 as a student. He graduated in 1993 with a bachelor’s degree in business economics and a minor in computer technology. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering. Over the years, he has sought out additional educational opportunities and received many certifications related to plant operations.

Congratulations, Robert Williams!

Featured in the IP&O Newsletter, December 2025