Meet Travis Burgoyne

Travis Burgoyne, Building and Grounds Manager for Reynolds Facilities Management and Planning team, is no stranger to forging new paths—both professionally and personally. Travis joined Reynolds in April 2024, and now almost a year into the role, he continues to embrace the college’s mission with enthusiasm, tackling everything from construction planning to team development with a passion for efficiency, growth, and innovation. Guided by the wisdom of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” Travis remains inspired by the courage it takes to explore new paths—and the rewarding discoveries found along the way.

Where were you born and where do you live now?
I was born at Riverside Hospital in Newport News and now live in a small community in Western Mechanicsville.

When did you join Reynolds and what made you want to join?
I started working at Reynolds Community College on April 1st, 2024. I received a call from my sister-in-law asking if I would be interested in a manager position at Reynolds in the maintenance department. I was not looking for a career change at the time, but after reading the job description and talking with my wife, I decided to apply. I became very excited about the opportunity after my interview. Everyone at Reynolds seemed very kind, and the atmosphere felt welcoming yet dynamic. Reynolds has always held a special place in my heart, and I felt that working at Reynolds would be an organic and rewarding experience for me. Now that I have worked here for nearly a year, it has exceeded my expectations, and I am extremely excited about our purpose and direction.

What is your role at Reynolds and what do you do on a typical day?
A typical day as the Building & Grounds Manager is very diverse, and I consistently work on something new every day. From planning construction projects, managing a team, building AutoCAD drawings, approving purchases, developing new programs, and applying leverage on newly developed systems, I consistently stay busy and engaged with every aspect of my job. I constantly find myself thinking of ways to become more efficient and productive as a department. So far, we have made huge strides, and I expect even bigger things in the future.

What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy teaching an electrical class through the NCCER program here at Reynolds. Teaching in general has always been a passion of mine and watching people grow throughout each semester is something that I love. I also enjoy spending time with my family, working on projects at home, and going on various hikes around the area. My 14-year-old son Ethan and I just discovered the game of airsoft, and we have enjoyed traveling to different venues around the area and immersing ourselves in MilSim events. In the midst of all of the action, I enjoy meditation and mindfulness exercises which allow me to stay focused and relaxed throughout the day.

Anything else you’d like to add?
A famous poem that I have held closely to my heart is “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. I believe that forging our own path is incredibly rewarding. Instead of following suit or walking down a crowded track, I have sought alternative roads to see what has been undiscovered. Courage has taken me there, and faith keeps me going.