Carrie West is no stranger to helping universities achieve ambitious goals. Before joining UT as assistant vice president of Planning, Design and Construction in 2025, she spent two decades working at the intersection of the built environment and campus leadership at the University of Illinois, Arizona State University, and most recently for 12 years at Northwestern University, where she oversaw planning, project development, sustainability, and real estate. Through these experiences, she has expanded her approach from traditional campus planning to portfolio-level strategy, ensuring every project is considered in the context of aspirational goals, asset management, value, operational efficiency, and capital capacity.
1. What drew you to The University of Texas at Austin from Chicago?
UT is a place with deep traditions and global eminence, where the work is complex and has high impact. The scale and variety of our capital projects require a strong portfolio, program, and project discipline where we connect each project back to the impact we are having as a campus — all work I enjoy. I’m especially excited to work alongside an outstanding team who care deeply about the work they do and are passionate about creating a built environment that supports student and faculty success. The intersection of scale, purpose, people, and UT’s enduring legacy is a big reason I’m energized about what we can accomplish. And I won’t complain about trading in Chicago winters for Austin weather.
2. Planning, Design and Construction plays a critical role in shaping the campus experience. What excites you most about this work?
What excites me most about PDC right now is the launch of master planning work that will bring clarity and structure to campus priorities. As a living, integrated master plan, it will help align UT’s ambitious vision with a clear, actionable path forward. And it comes at a time when we are elevating all aspects of campus. We are actively planning for a new hospital, introducing new student housing, restoring our campus core, beautifying our exterior, and making strategic academic and research investments. This is an exciting time to partner across Campus Operations and Planning with our schools and units.
3. Our One Great Team values guide how we work together. Which value resonates most with you as a leader, and how do you hope to bring it to life for your team?
I resonate most with Get It Done Right because it combines accountability, stewardship, and trust. To me, this value emphasizes the process as much as the outcome, with a strong focus on upfront planning and disciplined execution. As a campus steward, I want my team to treat quality equally to budget, scope, and schedule. The goal is not just to finish, but to deliver with integrity, minimize rework, and leave results and a process others can trust and build on.
4. You’ve traded Chicago’s culinary standouts like deep-dish pizza for Central Texas cuisine. What’s one Austin food experience you’ve enjoyed so far and one Chicago favorite you still miss?
Breakfast tacos! I am still exploring my favorite location! As far as Chicago, there are too many great restaurants to count. Day to day though, I very much miss a good Giordano’s Hawaiian pizza and Portillo’s, known for their Italian beef sandwiches, but I particularly enjoy their cheeseburgers and shakes. I hear Portillo’s will be opening in San Antonio, so a road trip will be in order!
5. You’ve been in Austin for six months. What are some of your favorite Austin/UT experiences so far?
My husband Craig, daughter Addy (14), and I love cheering on the Longhorns! We have made it to a few football games, and Addy and I recently took part in a Women’s Basketball game. Our student-athletes are amazing, and we love learning UT’s traditions! We are also avid concert goers! We went to ACL and have been able to attend several concerts at the Moody Center already! I also took in a great concert at the Performing Arts Center — what a wonderful venue right in the heart of campus!
