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Tara Spagnoletti is helping to bring something new to a university founded in 1865. Lehigh University, which has stood for more than 150 years in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, will introduce a “new old” offering for its students come spring 2025. The historic Clayton University Center, the first purpose-built building constructed on campus, is undergoing a complete renovation. It will transform the student center from a dark, pass-through space into a destination as the heart of student life at Lehigh.
The reimagined building will feature glass-enclosed multiuse meeting spaces and multiple food halls including a pub, study spaces, and informal “hangout” spaces for students. Outside, students will find a welcoming environment with a new firepit feature, accessible ramp and walkways, modern lighting and furniture, and updated iconic Lehigh class year numbers.
Much of the furniture for the project came from Offix Systems, one of two furniture vendors the university used. “They are a wonderful partner to Lehigh,” says Spagnoletti, Lehigh’s associate director of planning and facilities. “They provide outstanding customer service on all projects large and small across campus.”
“Working with Lehigh University for almost 20 years has been incredible. At Offix Systems, there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing students, faculty, and staff learn and collaborate using our products,” says Andres Defrancisco, a Lehigh alumnus who works in sales and business development at Offix Systems. “We look forward to implementing Tara’s proven vision as she advances in leadership, skillfully brought to life by her dedicated team.”
For Spagnoletti, the project is the latest chapter of a role that has offered far more than she ever expected.
The AD spent her earlier career working at smaller architectural firms. There, she had the opportunity to see various projects through to completion—a rarity for intern architects. But when she joined Lehigh, she encountered a new level of complexity that pushed her outside her comfort zone, including to achieve architectural licensure.
“When I applied to join Lehigh, it seemed like I would be doing a lot of work that I had experience with, but there also seemed to be a lot for me to learn,” explains Spagnoletti, who was hired as a planner. “That was honestly pretty intimidating for me. One thing I’ve learned and worked to grow into is my confidence and trust in myself.”
Her capabilities were proven to her quickly—in two years, Spagnoletti was promoted from planner to her current associate director position.
Over time, Spagnoletti’s role has brought her closer to senior leaders at the university. What once felt intimidating has evolved into fruitful collaboration. In getting to know those leaders as individuals, Spagnoletti can better understand their motivations and how she can help facilitate solutions.
Prior to coming to Lehigh, Spagnoletti worked primarily in the healthcare field. She executed many projects that, despite their complications, often felt repetitive. The idea of joining a university, an environment that operates more like a small city with a variety of project types, was enticing.
At Lehigh, Spagnoletti oversees a team of four planning staff and space management on campus. She convenes monthly Space Planning Committee meetings with deans and senior leaders to evaluate space requests and approve assignments. She also oversees the maintenance of interior space and exterior utility documentation, as well as interior design, inclusive of furniture and signage coordination. On any given day, Spagnoletti wears a lot of hats.
“I do so many things every day that I never thought I would be doing with my architectural degree,” Spagnoletti says, laughing. “But that’s the thing I’ve always loved about this profession: you have so much flexibility with this degree. I’ve been on the design side and now the owner side, and it’s made me better at what I do every day.”
With so many stakeholders on campus, keeping all parties happy can be challenging. Spagnoletti says she’s always pushing to communicate with as many interested parties as early in the process as possible.
“We have heard that we take too long,” the AD says. “But I believe open communication is the best way to achieve the best results, including explaining the ‘why.’ We need to get people at the table, listen to their needs and concerns, and encourage an open dialogue.”
Perhaps part of the reason Spagnoletti is so open to collaboration is because she knows firsthand how difficult it can be to speak up and be heard in meetings. Spagnoletti has never been the loudest voice at the table. It took her years to find her confidence, and at times, it can still be difficult to find her voice. But her experiences have made her the empathetic leader she is today.
“I feel fortunate for all the opportunities that I’ve had and the numerous people who have supported me,” Spagnoletti says. “Especially early on, women can be more hesitant to speak up, and that was true of me. But I’ve had great mentors and friends who have helped me grow, and I try to do the same thing for people on my team.”
Perhaps some of her growth as a leader came from raising her two children or the years she spent teaching skiing, which is how she met her husband. The AD says it’s important for her kids to see two parents excelling in their lives, giving back and doing what they love.
Whether she’s on the slopes or helping to bring a historic building back to life, Spagnoletti is providing the kind of example that her children, and the rest of us, can rally around. Confidence and leadership growth may not always be natural or easy, but if you press on, you may see rich rewards.
