Behind The Scenes

The campus community may not always realize what it takes to keep Winston-Salem State clean and running smoothly.

The employees behind the scenes - facilities and food services departments in particular - are vital to the appearance of the school and its health.

This is especially important to the university because of influential visitors such as prospective students, scholarship donors, and guests.

The facilities department employs about 50 workers in housekeeping and 20 in grounds/maintenance. A representative of Aramark, whose employees work in food services, said there are about 135 workers at WSSU.Two employees in management are WSSU alumni who chose to return to serve their university. These units, often not in the spotlight, are significant parts of what makes WSSU work.

Spring is an especially busy time of year. With the season changing, it's time for daffodils and flowering trees and shrubs to blossom; also, the campus is in the midst of events such as the Chancellor's Installation and the Mass Communications conference. With graduation swiftly approaching, there will be an increase in the number of visitors on campus.

Melvin Nash, a native of Winston-Salem, is a proud parent of a son, Javon, and a daughter, Natasha; and an even prouder grandparent, with a grandson named A.J.

Nash works in the facilities management sector. He has been in this field of work for 20 years and with WSSU for 12 of those years. He has several of jobs in this department, including landscaping, recycling, and sanitation.

Nash even enjoys the little things that come with his job, like uniforms.

When asked about wearing uniforms, he says, "They are convenient and it makes the department look more unified."

Nash also added that employees can choose to work overtime during events such as homecoming, upon checking with their supervisor. However, he said he draws the line at applying for supervisory positions.

"I am five years away from retiring," he said chuckling.

Nash's favorite tasks on his job including driving the campus golf carts and recycling. Although he sometimes feels underappreciated, he said, his work speaks for itself.

Gregory Lowery is also a native of Winston-Salem. He is single and an active chess player. He is employed with Aramark food service and has been at WSSU since September.

This is his first stint within the field. He also agrees with Nash about wearing uniforms: "We know who we are, and they know who we are."

When it comes to overtime, the schedules are basically set, he said. Someone is always covering the shifts, no matter the event. There is a lot of flexibility, and Aramark is willing to adjust if necessary.

Besides the flexibility, he said that some of his other favorite things about the job are that its convenient and the students are friendly. He also wanted to recognize one of his co-workers, Phyllis East, who helps him out in his department.

Lowery does a variety of jobs every day, but says his favorite task is "making sure needs are met for the students to eat comfortably. I am very content and to God be the Glory," he said.

Kathy Amos, from Winston-Salem, works in the Housekeeping Facilities unit. She will be celebrating six years with WSSU on May 1. As a whole, she has been in housekeeping and supervising for 25 years.

In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting and is an excellent pool player. As a matter of fact, she plays in the American Pool Players Association (APA) and has won over five trophies. She is also a grandmother of eight, and the anchor of her family. She says that she is being strong for them right now.

Amos also agrees with Nash about wearing uniforms. She says they are all right but has added an interesting suggestion, saying that their staff should wear the school colors in their uniforms.

Currently, their uniforms are khaki. She says that overtime is available sometimes and the department lets them know when it will come up. Her favorite part of the job is the benefits and the fact that she works alone.

When asked whether she feels like what she does is underappreciated or if her works just speaks for itself, she said, "My work is noticed by some, and some don't care."

Her favorite times of the year to work are during spring break, fall break, and observed holidays. When school is not in session she can get more done, she said.

"I like to treat people like they treat me," she said. "I like to help when there's help needed, if I can."