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Campus Q & A

Editor's Note: This is the first of a new series that will feature KU faculty and staff.

Name and job title: Doug Carter, physical plant supervisor at the Department of Student Housing

Years at current job: 4 years this February

Job duties: "I supervise a staff of five people. They perform maintenance on the various electrical systems in the residence and scholarship halls. They also perform testing and maintenance on the various fire alarm systems across student housing. They also are involved in some of the remodeling jobs that go on in student housing buildings. Some examples of remodels we have worked on would be the lobby at GSP, the former convenience store, pizza shop and Subway that were located in Hashinger Hall, and the student kitchen in McCollum Hall. Most of the work we perform isn't conspicuous to the students or the staff. We do a lot of work in boiler rooms, above ceilings, below floors, and within the walls of student housing buildings. The result is that when a student flips on a light switch, starts a report on the computer or burns popcorn and sets off a fire alarm, our building's services are doing their job."

What's the biggest challenge facing your department right now? "It's the challenge of keeping all of our systems running smoothly in some of our older buildings. The electrical needs of our students are much greater than they were 50 years ago. They bring computers, refrigerators, microwaves, TVs and hair dryers to rooms that used to only need to power a desk lamp or a fan. When you add air conditioning into that equation, it puts quite a strain on the buildings' electrical equipment. Another challenge has been adding sprinkler systems to the many buildings in student housing that were built without them. The department of student housing has done a fantastic job of being proactive in the safety of its students by installing sprinklers in several of our buildings in the last three years. At the University, there is always the problem of coming up with the financial resources to do the projects that need to be done."

Other professional experience: "I started doing electrical work in 1987 for CIR Electric in Springfield, Mo. I attended Ozark Technical College for four years while working as an apprentice electrician. After eight years with contractors and two years working as an electrician for the Burlinton Northern Railroad, I came to the University of Kansas in February of 1997 as an electrician at Facilities Operations."

What do you like most about your profession? "There is always something new to learn as technology changes the way we do things. We get to work with so many different things that you don't feel like you're in a rut, doing the same thing, day after day."

Off-the-job interests: "I enjoy spending time with my family. I have two daughters, 7-year-old Caitlin and 1-year-old Campbell. I am a member of the Lawrence Free Methodist Church and teach a class there on Wednesday nights for fifth- and sixth-grade boys. I am an avid KU sports fan and attend many games."

Aspects of your job others might not realize you're involved with: "I am a member of the University Support Staff Senate where I serve as chair of the elections committee."

What's the status of the Hashinger remodeling project, and are their going to be any unique aspects to the building? "The building is on schedule to reopen in the fall of 2006. There will be some new dining options on the second floor of Hash and the theatre will be expanded as well. Another change will be sinks in all of the residence rooms."

Copyright 2005, an official employee publication from the Office of University Relations.