By Bronson Woodruff
MISSISSIPPI STATE, Miss (Take 30 News) --Areas in and around Oktibbeha county have seen tremendous rainfall. Despite this, Mississippi State’s campus has mostly been spared from flooding problems. The flood prevention is accomplished primarily through MSU’s Facilities Management. Campus employees who work under Facilities Management do various jobs. Library Custodian Anitria Bell Brownlee says she loves her job and loves students.
“[I like] just making sure that they’re happy. Just seeing a smile on their face and making sure they are in a comfortable position to study,” Brownlee said. “Everybody’s just like family here. That’s what I like about it”
According to facilities management director Tommy Verdell, keeping campus from flooding is all part of the job.
“Facilities Management is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the campus. Within Facilities Management, there is a unit called HEQ, Heavy Equipment Operations,” Verdell said. “Their role is to make sure that all the drains remain unclogged, that ditches and drains channels are clear, any surface drainage areas are clear from obstruction.”
According to office of Public Affairs Director Sid Salter, the campus has not seen significant flooding aside from two problem areas on campus: the parking lot at the College of Veterinary Medicine and the basement of the Cobb Institute. He says roads may also have surface ponding, but it is normally short-lived.
Areas of lower elevation on campus are particularly at a higher risk of flooding. The outdoors team performs services as needed, whether it be during a downpour or on a sunny day. Building Services Supervisor Jesse McCarter says they continuously monitor the campus and act fast when necessary.
“We know it’s an inconvenience when a roof starts leaking or a drain stops up or something unexpected happens,” McCarter said. “It’s our goal to go in and make life as normal as possible as quickly as we can.”
Verdell feels the team is an important part of daily campus operations.
“I think we touch the lives of students every day,” Verdell said.