Sean Ries – Cleveland State University

As executive director of campus planning, access and campus experience at Cleveland State University (CSU), Sean Ries is helping shape the physical and cultural fabric of a public institution competing in a crowded higher education landscape. When he stepped into the role in early 2025, he quickly restructured what was previously known as the Office of the University Architect, renaming it the Department of Capital Planning to reflect a broader, more strategic focus.

“The old name didn’t represent what we were doing,” Ries says. “We didn’t have an architect on staff, and Cleveland has a surplus of architectural talent. We needed a clearer sense of identity and purpose.”

He notes that he is fortunate to work with such great professionals within capital planning, parking and access, fire and EHS, who help him meet the needs of the community.

That clarity now centers around a process-driven approach that emphasizes long-term vision, consistent systems, and, above all, the student experience. Ries, who describes himself as a rule follower, brings a methodical leadership style that aligns with the strict state funding and approval processes that universities like Cleveland State must navigate.

But while his leadership may be technical, the motivation behind it is anything but cold.

“I feel blessed to be doing this work,” he says. “I’ve been in higher ed for almost 30 years, and it means a lot to help shape the environment where future generations learn and grow.”

The Fenn projects & CSU’s future

Ries and his team are behind several cornerstone projects designed to enhance CSU’s appeal to both prospective and current students. At the top of that list is Fenn Hall, an iconic structure on campus that is undergoing a $31.2 million renovation that includes the construction of biomedical laboratories, reflecting the university’s rapidly growing undergraduate biomedical program.

“We’re seeing real momentum in that program, and this project ensures we’re meeting the needs of those students,” Ries says.

Then there’s Fenn Tower, a former 1930s country club that has been transformed into a residence hall, now being revamped once again into a modern living space that better suits the habits and expectations of today’s students. Construction is expected to begin this fall, with a goal of welcoming students back into the space in 2026.

“The students we’re serving now have different expectations,” Ries explains. “A lot of them have never shared a bedroom, and they want privacy and comfort. So, we’re designing single bedrooms with semi-private bathrooms and shared living areas. It’s more like apartment living, which is what they expect.”

The new Fenn Tower will also feature separate entrances for residents and the public, as well as updated access control systems to ensure security—something Ries calls a “non-negotiable priority.”

Beauty, function & competition

In an increasingly competitive market, aesthetics and amenities aren’t just about looks—they’re about survival. With Ohio being the seventh most populous state but home to a dozen state universities, every institution is vying for a shrinking pool of college-bound students. That makes the renovation of CSU’s central plaza, including the installation of new CSU letter signage, more than a cosmetic touch.

“It’s a place where students can take pictures, gather, and feel pride in their university,” Ries says. “We want them to be excited to be here, to show off where they go to school.”

That sense of belonging is key, especially at an urban campus like CSU. While some students are drawn to the big-city feel, others prefer a more traditional college town experience. That means Ries and his team must constantly balance the benefits of CSU’s location with the realities of what students want.

“We try to make our urban setting a strength,” he says. “You can’t get this experience at other non-urban campuses. Our students can attend Cavs, Browns or Guardians games, and meet professional athletes, or even owners. Alternatively, they can walk to a Broadway production in the Theatre District. That’s something we lean into.”

But CSU also competes with schools outside of Ohio. Ries’s team examines peer institutions in the Horizon League and urban campuses nationwide to inform design, housing trends, and space utilization. He notes that many students still have interest in virtual meetings or classes—so conference rooms have been upgraded with state-of-the-art A/V systems—and the school is experimenting with ways to draw students back to in-person settings, such as upgrades to their commuter lounge and creation of a quiet lounge.

More than bricks and mortar

For Ries, the job goes beyond facilities and blueprints. His role also includes environmental health, fire safety and prevention and access control—areas that are foundational to creating a safe, responsive campus. He’s particularly proud of investments in deferred maintenance and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) projects, like the $4 million update underway at Rhodes Tower, and the music building, which is home to CSU’s music programs.

“These aren’t glamorous projects,” he admits, “but they’re the kind of foundational work that allows all the other pieces—labs, classrooms, performance spaces—to function at a high level.”

Other projects are smaller but no less impactful. “Renovation of labs, classrooms, wellness cubes and common spaces is part of our goal of creating a special place on campus for our students to learn and interact,” Ries stated.

Even seemingly small changes are part of a broader effort to foster engagement, recreation, and wellness, he adds.

Ries’s background in campus recreation—he previously served as director of recreational services at Ashland University, UAB, and associate director at Cleveland State—gives him unique insight into how physical spaces affect student life. He has been a part of building three recreation centers, which has taught him the skills to take on this new role. As a father of three, whose middle child is starting college this fall at CSU, he has a personal stake in creating student environments that feel safe, connected, and modern.

“In higher education, you have to realize this is a business,” he says. “If we’re not offering what students are looking for, they’ll go somewhere else. So, every square foot we renovate, every lab we build, it all must tie back to what today’s students need.”

A citizen of CSU in the City of Cleveland

Ries describes Cleveland State as a small city within a city, and he is a citizen of CSU—a phrase that captures his dedication to both his institution and its surrounding community. Whether he’s discussing the student-athlete experience, the opportunity to merge or eliminate outdated majors, or the evolution of classroom and office technology, Ries consistently returns to the idea that CSU must remain adaptive to thrive and to make CSU the best it can be for Cleveland.

“CSU is focusing on integrated degrees and innovative programs that lead to jobs and careers. And if a space becomes underused, we’re ready to repurpose it to fit the needs of higher education in the 21^st century.”

That mindset extends to every corner of campus. As he balances major infrastructure upgrades with more minor, community-centered improvements, Ries is guided by one principle: CSU must offer a compelling, competitive experience that keeps students engaged, supported, and proud of their institution.

“Our goal is to get students here, help them love it, and then keep them coming back year after year,” he says. “That’s how we build the future of Cleveland State University.”