Jeff Dalton plays a vital part in maintaining campus facilities efficient, secure, and authentic to their original design.
As a project supervisor for the Facilities Management Division (FMD), he manages a variety of construction and renovation endeavors, ranging from roof upgrades to restorations. Each project necessitates a combination of technical expertise and foresight.
“I’ve collaborated with many excellent individuals here,” Dalton stated. “You aim to leave things better than you found them.”
Dalton commenced his career at UGA in 2000 as a sheet metal mechanic in FMD’s operations and maintenance department. Over the years, he refined his abilities in fabrication, welding, and installation, eventually advancing to a leadership position as shop manager. In 2021, he shifted to project management, a transition encouraged by peers who acknowledged his extensive institutional knowledge and practical experience.
Although the position was new, the campus was familiar. Dalton grew up merely 20 miles away, and his ties to UGA are profound. His father dedicated over thirty years to the FMD grounds department, and several other family members have also established careers at the university.
Currently, Dalton is one of 10 project supervisors in FMD. While each PM oversees their own projects, Dalton’s expertise in roofing makes him the primary contact for associated endeavors. However, his responsibilities encompass much more than rooftops. He manages infrastructure improvements, mechanical upgrades, and a consistent array of exterior enhancements. He still collaborates with internal teams whenever possible and takes pride in the diversity that each day brings.
“Some of these structures are over 150 years old,” he remarked. “Once you replace something, you can’t revert it. You must be deliberate in how you undertake the work.”
This meticulous approach was particularly essential during the window replacement project at the Seney-Stovall Chapel, where original frames were meticulously restored using custom-made parts to preserve the building’s historic essence. Dalton coordinated with local craftsmen to replicate the original 19th-century style, merging preservation with enhanced safety and energy efficiency. The project demanded months of planning and troubleshooting, but the final outcome was gratifying.
“There are always unforeseen challenges, especially with aged buildings. You never know what you’ll uncover when you open something up,” Dalton noted. “But you remain composed, troubleshoot, and keep the project on track.”
Whether the task is at the Ramsey Student Center, Stegeman Coliseum, or the State Botanical Garden, Dalton adheres to a consistent process. Every project initiates with early dialogue to ensure all parties involved understand expectations. From that point, he collaborates closely with vendors, engineers, and consultants — frequently visiting job sites daily to oversee safety, materials, and schedules.
“If something goes awry, I want to be the one present,” he expressed. “I don’t want to place that burden on building occupants.”
Dalton cultivates relationships with contractors, assesses performance, and guarantees that each project aligns with UGA’s standards. One project he takes particular pride in is the recent ceiling restoration at Stegeman Coliseum, a high-pressure task completed within a tight timeframe before the commencement of the athletic season.
“That one turned out really well,” Dalton mentioned. “Much of it was reliant on the planning and the team. The contractors were quick off the mark, and we accomplished it.”
Dalton’s efforts may not always be the first aspect you notice when walking through campus, but they impact nearly every corner of it. From restored windows and mended roofs to mechanical enhancements and exterior upgrades, his projects help ensure UGA’s buildings remain safe, efficient, and durable.
For Dalton, it’s about executing the task correctly and supporting individuals along the way.
“Connecting with the people in these buildings, understanding their needs, and enhancing their environments — that’s what I cherish most,” he expressed.
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