UNC Director of Housekeeping speaks to housekeeping staff to celebrate International Housekeepers Week

Darius Dixon believes the best way to reform UNC’s Housekeeping Services is to rebuild trust.

Dixon, the new director of Housekeeping Services, ended a seven-month leadership void in the previously mismanaged department when he assumed the position in April.

“My long-term vision is for us to work together and form a team where the trust is built back through the organization,” he said in an interview.

Dixon spoke to the housekeeping staff at an event in the Great Hall of the Student Union Tuesday in celebration of International Housekeepers Week, honoring them for the crucial role they play at the University.

Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Winston Crisp also spoke, reinforcing Dixon’s words.

“We’re all on the same team,” Crisp said to a crowd of about 100 housekeepers.

“Whether you see it all the time or not, whether you hear it all the time or not, you are incredibly important.”

The event was one of three held throughout the day so housekeepers with different work shifts would all have a chance to attend.

The commemorative week occurs at a time when Dixon’s reforms are still in the beginning stages.

Bill Burston, former director of housekeeping, left the University last September amid criticisms of the department’s management.

“The housekeeping department has gone through a lot, so there are some changes that will be long term,” Dixon said.

Anna Wu, assistant vice chancellor for faculty operations, planning and design, said Dixon has been attentive to individual housekeepers as well as broader departmental issues.

“He is a really good listener,” she said. “He is very thoughtful and thorough in addressing the culture and changes that are happening within the housekeeping department.”

Dixon has been in the position for just less than five months but has already impressed housekeepers with his approachability, said housekeeper crew leader Iris Yarborough.

“He is working on learning names and always greets people,” she said.

“He’s a friendly man.”

Dixon said he wants to solicit staff input to ensure that every employee receives fair treatment.

“The main thing is always to include the staff,” he said.

Dixon has been involved with the housekeeper peer advisory council, which is composed of housekeepers elected by the staff to represent them to administrators.

He said people being resistant to change is his biggest challenge, but he maintains a positive outlook on the future of the department.

“We’re going from good to great,” he said.

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