Posted By Andra Holbrooks on Aug 24, 2010

Expect the scent of freshly cut grass to fill the air every Wednesday. The maintenance staff provides UMHB grounds with proper grooming and landscaping to make a walk to class enjoyable.

Senior interdisciplinary studies major Travis Bice is a student worker for facility services. He took the position that entails landscaping because it “just fit my style.”

Bice grew up working outdoors and enjoys being part of changing the look of campus.

“The coolest project I got to participate in was converting Dr. Bawcom’s presidential house into what is now the alumni museum,” he said. “The outside landscape took a complete turnaround.”

Working with about 10 other men, Bice says there is something new to learn every day.

“The guys in charge are awesome to work with,” he said. “They are patient and fun to be around… They help pass time while picking weeds in 105-degree weather.”

The work of the maintenance staff does not go unrecognized.

“One of the reasons I love UMHB so much is the fact that it is such a beautiful campus,” senior Christian ministry major Brianna Edwards said.

“I love being outdoors, so getting to go outside and sit under a tree to read is great.”

Edwards is aware of all the work that goes in to keeping campus classy.

“I don’t know if everybody knows this, but maintenance replaces the flower beds about once a month so our campus can look pristine,” she said, “We see the fruits of their labor.”

She believes because of the maintenance staff, UMHB is “the most beautiful campus ever.”

Edwards is head resident assistant for Independence Village and participated with other RAs in writing thank you letters to the maintenance staff this past week.

“The maintenance guys actually sent out an e-mail saying ‘thanks’ back,” she said.

Vice President of Student Life Dr. Byron Weathersbee highly recommends that students say a ‘thank you’ to UMHB staff.

“The reason we have such incredibly beautiful grounds is because of the many, many behind -the-scenes hours that go on,” he said.
The university hosted a youth camp this summer, and the maintenance people’s hard work was not taken for granted.

“Our staff did such a great job in the dining hall that the camp brought them out, gave them a standing ovation and I got to watch our staff literally have tears in their eyes because they were so appreciated,” Weathersbee said.

When going off campus, it is evident small details, in something as simple as grass, make a big difference in the overall make up of the grounds.

“You see parts, and it’s hot… yet here, it’s an oasis. It’s beautiful and green,” Dr. Weathersbee said.
“Esthetically, it even makes a difference in the learning environment,” he said.