Physical Plant maintains ‘mission-minded’ staff

Physical Plant is an essential part of maintaining the appearance and functionality of Lee University. Like most other organizations, their roles were impacted by the pandemic.

By tending campus grounds, cleaning all on-campus buildings and providing set up for special events, the personnel provide timely service to students, faculty and staff.

Nathanlene Lee, who works in building services in Physical Plant, said the pandemic placed a strain on their roles and personal lives.

According to Ms. Lee, the early hours, late evenings and lack of interactions with students have left many members of the Physical Plant Team exhausted.

“I don’t have to come in at 4 a.m. [like many others], but the extended hours have been hard,” Ms. Lee said. “For me, personally, not having [students] there was gloomy. I really missed the life students bring to campus.”

Ms. Lee said each interaction with students provides meaning for the tasks and encourages her.

“Physical Plant really does care about your well-being and safety,” Ms. Lee said. “Students really do matter to us. They’re not just a number.”

The team’s desire to serve is embedded in each of their tasks, according to assistant plumber Caleb Carvell.

“We have such a beautiful campus, and being able to maintain it has been really great,” said Carvell. “I love to help people, so I originally thought the career I should work in is something more hospitality [focused] or just helping people in their area of most need. I realized I’m doing exactly that here at Lee. When students have issues with their sinks, tubs or showers, I can come in and take care of an issue that’s really important to them. It really does help them out.”

Steven Ferguson, who does electrical maintenance, said the team values their community and enjoys connecting with Lee’s campus as they interact with a diverse group of students.

“It feels like one big family … We develop real care for the students,” said Ferguson. “I think one of the most interesting parts of the [job] is getting to know people from not only all over the country but all over the world. I’ve grown to love the [job] more than I even expected.” 

Carvell’s journey to working with Physical Plant started as a Lee student, bringing his skill set full circle. 

“I actually came as a student, trying to further my education in an area that I thought was going to be beneficial in my life,” said Carvell. “In many ways it was, but while I was taking classes at Lee, I needed employment, so I applied at Lee’s Physical Plant and started out as a part of the moving crew, which is what most student workers do. When they realized that I had experience fixing things and maintaining properties, they let me work in the [maintenance department], and I’ve been doing it since 2018.”

Ellie Williams, a senior biblical and theological studies major, applauds the workers for meeting students and the broader campus community with excellence.

“Physical Plant [provides] on-campus support to on-campus residents,” said Williams. “They serve as a first aid for any maintenance issue a dormitory might have, or other on-campus buildings, academic buildings … whatever that might look like.” 

Physical Plant’s desire to serve the Lee community supersedes any given task, and it has not gone unnoticed, according to Williams.

“They have always been mission-minded and come task ready,” said Williams. “They’re always prepared, and I’ve never had a poor interaction with them.”