Grounds Team
The Willamette University Grounds Team consists of one manager, eight groundskeepers and a never ending supply of student workers. The grounds team is responsible for everything connected to the landscaping and hardscape on the campus. In addition, the grounds team oversees all off campus sites.
For more about our efforts towards sustainability and natural landscaping please visit our sustainability page.
Phone: (503) 370- 6143
114+ years of experience.
Walt Bier
- Groundskeeper II Stadium Specialist
Mickey Cochrane
- Groundskeeper II
Alfonso Guzman
- Groundskeeper II
Efrain Kebekol
- Groundskeeper I
Dan McConnell
- Groundskeeper II
Dan was born and raised in Oregon. He is a graduate of Oregon State University with a degree in fisheries. He joined the Peace Corp, went to Palau and married a beautiful young island girl. Dan and his wife, Beverly have two great kids and a granddaughter that they adore. After having worked in aquaculture, Dan began his career in landscaping culminating into what he says is a "lofty position at this prestigious institution".
Ron Morton
- Groundskeeper Mechanic
Ed Priepke
- Groundskeeper I
Dean Wentworth
- Botanial Garden & Greenhouse Curator
Dean has been with Willamette University since October, 1999. He graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Horticulture, with an emphasis in soils and plant pathology. Dean has worked on habitat restoration for Lake Oswego & Astoria Country Clubs. In his leisure time during the winter months, Dean likes to construct and design either stained glass windows or tiffany lamps. During the summer months he enjoys the challenge of capturing up-close wildlife interactions on film while exploring Oregon's scenic wild areas.