UTA Libraries Staff Spotlight: Howard Schaffer

When Howard Schaffer looks at a building, he does not see it as a single unit, but as a living organism that needs attention, care, and most importantly, maintenance. Howard serves as the new maintenance coordinator for UTA Libraries. 

Howard comes to the university having served 32 years of combined service with the U.S. Army Reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel and serving four tours of duty between Iraq and Afghanistan with the General Services Administration (GSA). The GSA manages federal properties and provides contracting options for government agencies. 

When he arrived at UTA, Howard was impressed by the care shown to the grounds and facilities here on campus and at the library. 

“Working here at the university has been very impressive to me. UTA does a wonderful job in taking care of its buildings,” Howard said. “What you all have done here at the libraries is amazing. It does not look like the library where I went to school years ago. It has been transformed.” 

As maintenance coordinator, Howard works to ensure that each library branch is kept in excellent shape. He sees that maintenance requests are handled promptly and construction projects move forward. 

Daily, Howard works with people from across the trades to ensure UTA Libraries is ready to serve its patrons and be a place of community. These individuals include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, architects, engineers and project managers. 

Howard stated that the variety of work in the facilities field is what he enjoys the most. 

“There is always something going on in facilities, whether it is people moving from office to office or other renovation projects,” he said. “On my first day here, I had 18 different service calls for lights that were out throughout the building.” 

Howard shared that the two big projects in the library, the window replacement and the installation of new furniture, are going smoothly. 

Since coming on board at the library, Howard shared that everyone has been very welcoming and helpful. He noted that Kevin Schuck, Director of Library Budget and Finance, has helped him immensely while he has been learning his job. 

“Kevin is a great mentor and knows this building so well, and he has been here for years. When I ask him something, I can see him reviewing the floor plans in his mind and where everything is,” Howard said. “That will take me a little bit of time as I learn, but I want to learn the building better and the departments and what they do.” 

Howard said he is excited to be with us at the library. We could not agree more. Welcome to the university and UTA Libraries.