How long have you worked at UAMS? How long have you been in your current position?
I have been at UAMS in my current position for over a year and a half. I have worked with operations, facilities, and construction projects for over 20 years.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love listening to a customer’s story, figuring out what their ‘pain points’ are, and coming up with solutions. I love it when I can make a customer’s day by doing more than they expect. Sometimes an investigator or staff member will call with a problem (e.g., water pouring from the ceiling, elevator not working, or imminent large equipment delivery) and expect to have a difficult time resolving it. I love hearing the change in their voice when I am able to make it easy.
Are there any challenges?
Sometimes, when we have a project going on and there is no communication from the operations side, it can allow problems to arise. Also, with new UAMS faculty hires and associated research activities growing quickly, office and more importantly laboratory space, is an issue. Working with departmental chairs and administrators to find required space and accommodate everyone’s needs is challenging.
How does your work assignment interact with other parts of research and innovation?
My work interacts with all the faculty members, staff, and laboratory activities within the various colleges and the UAMS division of Research and Innovation. I also work with the VCRI/department chairs to find space for newly arriving investigators as well as facilitating the installation of new equipment in support of the UAMS research enterprise. Moreover, I perform some minor building repairs and am involved in construction projects.
How about after hours? What do you do for fun?
I enjoy working on projects around my home (e.g., plumbing, wood working, and electrical) and renovating, as well as going to sporting events.
What personal skill or hobby don’t most people know about you?
A lot of people don’t know that I have been a sports official for over 15 years in football and basketball at the high school level. I have also been an official for baseball for 24 years at the high school and college level. I have officiated at three different World Series in Babe Ruth and 11 high school state finals in my official career. When not officiating on the weekends, I have a great time running baseball tournaments. Do you sense a theme here?
Also, I enjoy doing things with my son and grandchildren. As you can see, sports runs in the family.
Any last thoughts on your position as the Biomedical I & II Facilities Manager?
There will be obstacles to overcome all the time in this position, but with hard work there are no limits to what you can achieve to get the job done for the people you take care of on a daily basis.