This study investigates how public university indoor air quality (IAQ) can be enhanced by effectively managing environmental dynamics. While numerous challenges affecting IAQ standards in universities have been documented, this study proposes that understanding and managing environmental dynamics presents a viable pathway for improved IAQ outcomes. A post-positivist philosophical stance guided the adoption of a quantitative research design. Primary data were collected from academic and administrative staff across South African universities using a structured questionnaire survey. A review of literature identified 13 influential human-environmental dynamics. The data collected underwent a two-phased analysis involving descriptive statistics and inferential techniques, including exploratory factor analysis. The inferential statistical analysis revealed three key environmental condition clusters: built environment conditions, human exposure, and socio-environmental building factors, which are central to effective management of IAQ within universities. Practically, university stakeholders can use these findings to inform IAQ management practices, complementing existing environmental strategies. Theoretically, the study assesses a critical gap in the IAQ discourse by advancing the understanding of environmental dynamics in higher education settings, a dimension often overlooked in prior studies. The identified environmental dynamics are actionable inputs to strengthen existing or emerging institutional policies. Integrating environmental considerations into spatial planning may boost workplace comfort, satisfaction, and how occupants perceive their performance. These perceptions are closely tied to the quality of indoor environments, which are often overlooked until something goes wrong.