Brittney Sprague
Brittney Sprague is a dedicated Facilities Supervisor at Michigan State University, where she has spent over eight years advancing through diverse roles, from building service worker, kitchen and building sanitation worker to supervisory positions. Currently, Brittney oversees Wilson Hall, managing a team of five full-time staff members, while working with contractors on renovations, fire safety upgrades, and the transformation of campus spaces to support the College of Engineering. Her leadership reflects a commitment to operational excellence, team development, and creating safe, functional, and welcoming environments for the campus community. Brittney is also a passionate advocate for professional growth and inclusion. She co-founded and continues to lead the Women in Facilities employee resource group with two other female facility supervisors on-campus, which provides networking, learning, and mentorship opportunities and were recognized with the Mary Smith Women's Issue Award by the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers. In addition to her on-campus contributions, she has presented at the MAPPA conference in Milwaukee with her two coworkers, showcasing their expertise and dedication to advancing the facilities profession. Before her career in facilities management, Brittney cultivated a strong foundation in music education, earning a Bachelor of Music Education from Oakland University and a Master of Music Education from the University of Florida. She has taught strings to students in grades 4-12 rebuilding a 50 year old program from the ground up, directed a youth orchestra for two years, and performs as a violinist in community symphony for over 15 years, this year serving as assistant concertmaster. Outside of work, Brittney enjoys traveling with family, being a host parent to High School Foreign Exchange students, crocheting, and sharing her love of music, demonstrating the same dedication and passion in her personal life that she brings to her professional endeavors.
• University of Florida - M.Mus.Ed.
• Oakland University - B.M.E
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to embrace perseverance and actively champion diversity. In male-dominated fields, it’s crucial to seize every opportunity, cultivate a broad and diverse network, and remain steadfast even in the face of bias. I’ve found that engaging with employee resource groups can be especially valuable, providing support, mentorship, and a platform to amplify voices. Building these connections and maintaining resilience are key to thriving and making a meaningful impact in the workplace.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are perseverance, collaboration, and fostering growth in others. My career began as a teacher and has led me through diverse roles at Michigan State University, from facilities management and culinary work to supervising teams, including my current role overseeing Wilson Hall, where I manage five full-time staff members. I take pride in leading initiatives like the Women in Facilities employee resource group, which I have helped sustain with two other female facility supervisors over the past two years and which earned the Mary Smith Women's Issue Award, providing opportunities for learning, networking, and mentorship. Beyond my professional accomplishments, including presenting at the MAPA conference and completing extensive training in emotional behavior, communication, and music education, I value family, community, and personal growth. I enjoy traveling, crocheting, and playing violin—activities that allow me to connect with others and nurture my passions, including my 15 plus year involvement in a community orchestra as assistant concertmaster. The support of my family, mentors, and supervisors has been instrumental in shaping my career and reinforcing the importance of dedication, empathy, and lifelong learning in everything I do.