Stuart Robb: Rooted in Moscow, Driven by Service 

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From student employee to director, Stuart Robb’s 33-year career in the University of Idaho’s Parking Services shows how adaptability, perseverance, and embracing change can turn an unexpected path into a fulfilling career.  

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I (Kim) work remotely for TPN from Moscow, Idaho, and three of my “kids” attend the University of Idaho.  Curious about parking at the University, I reached out to Stuart Robb, the University's Director of Parking.  I discovered that he is yet another successful parking professional who built his career from the ground up.   

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Embracing the Unexpected 

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Stuart attended the University of Idaho starting in 1991. As a student, he worked in parking enforcement during campus events.  After graduation, he was offered a job within the parking program and, loving Moscow, decided to stay.  Little did he know that fateful decision would guide his professional life.   

 

Stuart laughs, “Nobody wakes up when they’re 18 and says, 'I’m going to be a Parking Director!’ I fell into parking.”   

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Climbing the Ranks 

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Reflecting on his early career, Stuart says, “I was kind of passively accepting my fate in parking for many years until I realized that I wanted to do it as a career. Then I started pursuing it enthusiastically. I focused on gaining a deeper professional understanding, building my network, and communicating with my leadership about their needs and wants, and how I can fit into the picture. Once you have a clearer picture of where you fit within the organization, growth becomes much easier. I could get training or step out of my box a little bit.  I used to second-guess my capabilities but decided to look for opportunities to challenge myself.” 

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Parking and Politics 

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In 1996, he became a full-time enforcement supervisor. Over the years, he has worked his way up, eventually serving as interim director, then, kicking and screaming, as the Director.  Why kicking and screaming?  Stuart loves parking, but not politics.  “People don't get into these jobs because they like dealing with politics and policies—they get into it because they enjoy servicing customers.”  

 

Stuart’s career has been marked by adaptation and perseverance.  He has managed to balance the needs of parking customers with those of the University.  These include high-demand parking revenue and the University's promise to provide parking for every incoming student, stretching parking infrastructure thin. Like many college towns, Moscow is landlocked, parking is limited, and the student-commuter population is large.  

 

Driving Innovation 

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To better manage these challenges, the University is investing in License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology starting this year. The system will streamline permit sales distribution, data collection, and enforcement. Stuart is spearheading this effort and is excited to transition to a permit-less system with a mobile enforcement unit.  The data provided by this new system will help him tell the story of parking at the University, identify future needs, and improve customer service.  The LPR tools will complement the years of experience he and his staff bring to the table.  

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The Power of Teamwork and Leadership 

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What has led to his success?  He names three things:  

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His team. Full-time staff turnover is minimal, with most having been there for 10-15 years. His team has extensive parking knowledge and works hard to deliver customer satisfaction. Stuart believes that, as much as technology and advancements like AI and LPR reading technology are "working" for you, parking still relies on people. Well-trained staff can read nuances like body language or context clues. For example, a parking attendant might notice recruitment material on a dashboard and recognize the vehicle as a rental that is parked near the visitor center. These indicators suggest a visitor to campus and a warning fits here rather than a ticket. Also, the front office staff often fields complex parking questions that lead to creative, unexpected solutions.  

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His people skills. Whether working with his team or University leadership, Stuart takes a personal approach.  He actively acknowledges others’ successes and looks for ways to support their needs – flexible hours for childcare, skill development, advancement opportunities, or simply offering a listening ear.

  

His experience. Having worked at nearly every level of the parking industry, Stuart brings a well-rounded perspective that informs his decisions.   

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Pursuing Goals 

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Stuart's advice to others: maintain a healthy work/life balance. “If you let it, work will take all your time - and unless you set boundaries, it will demand more.” He also encourages staying open-minded and actively pursuing your goals. His advice echoes what he experienced – he had to step out of his comfort zone, challenge himself, and find what he’s passionate about. He’s guided by Einstein’s words: “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”  

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Leaving a Legacy 

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Stuart plans to retire in three years.  He hopes that by then his staff will know “where all the bodies are buried on campus.”  The knowledge he and his team have acquired will be a legacy for the next generation of parking professionals at the University of Idaho. Stuart looks forward to spending more time with his wife and grown kids - fishing and travelling.