Welcome to KSU Plant Operations

Our main mission is to create an ideal environment for the entire academic community, including students, staff, and faculty. We accomplish this by offering thorough maintenance, repair, and installation services for essential building systems. Our team is committed to maintaining and improving the campus environment, ensuring all facilities are safe, functional, and efficient. We are proud to support the university’s mission by delivering exceptional services throughout KSU.

Our Services Include: 

  • Carpentry  
  • Electrical 
  • Energy Management  
  • Engineering 
  • Mechanical (HVAC)  
  • Plumbing  
maintenance guy in shop

 

 

What to do if you smell gas?

This is a reminder that Kennesaw State University is served by natural gas. If you smell natural gas (rotten egg smell) or hear a hissing sound coming from piping while on campus, please leave the area immediately and call 470-578-6666 or 911 from a safe location. If you are inside a building, while exiting, do not turn on or off light switches. Do not use the telephone or do anything that may create a spark. Also, there should be no digging on campus without notifying Facilities Services first at 470-578-6224, as damage to the natural gas pipeline may occur.

Maintenance Related Emergencies

  • Leaking Pipes and Overflowing Toilets
  • Storm Damage, etc.
  • Electrical Power Disruption
  • Gas Leak

Contact Us

Normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30  AM to  4 PM.


Phone: 470-578-6224  
Email: plantops@kennesaw.edu  
After Hours/Emergency: 470-578-6666  

  • The Carpentry Shop is responsible for the construction, repair, and maintenance of general structural components across campus. Skilled carpenters within the department manage a wide range of projects designed to support and enhance the structural integrity of university facilities. 
  • The Electrical Shop installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems throughout the university. From lighting and power distribution to emergency backup systems, the department’s skilled electricians work diligently to ensure that campus facilities remain reliably powered and properly illuminated. 
  • The Energy Management Department at Kennesaw State University employs a holistic and continuous strategy to improve energy and water efficiency, emphasizing equipment optimization and the reduction of utility consumption and costs. The department’s objective is to minimize resource use while supporting effective campus operations. In addition, it fosters a culture of mindfulness by encouraging students, faculty, and staff to engage in practices that promote the conservation of university resources. 

    Internship Opportunity in Energy Management 
    Each semester, Plant Operations offers internship opportunities in which students collaborate with the Energy Manager and the Plant Operations team to enhance operational efficiency across campus. Responsibilities may include analyzing utility data, generating reports using building automation systems (BAS) and energy management software (EMS), evaluating potential savings opportunities, and studying Kennesaw State University’s power grid. Interns gain practical, hands-on experience that expands their technical knowledge and supports their long-term professional development. 

  • The Engineering Department within Plant Operations provides comprehensive engineering support for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems across all Kennesaw State University properties, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and code requirements. In addition to technical support, the department oversees the university’s Major Repair and Rehabilitation (MRR) program and manages capital renewal and MEP system modification projects. 

    Services: 

    • Oversee the MRR program to support the capital renewal of campus facilities 
    • Provide engineering expertise and project management for Plant Operations departments 
    • Maintain and manage university-owned utility distribution systems on all campuses 
    • Collaborating with Planning, Design, and Construction and Environmental
    • Health and Safety on projects involving existing MEP infrastructure 
    • Support university departments in addressing their MEP system needs 
    • Manage documentation related to building MEP systems and underground utility distribution systems across campus 
       
  • The Mechanical Shop is responsible for the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems throughout the university. The department ensures that all mechanical equipment operates efficiently and reliably, supporting a comfortable and safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. 
  • The Plumbing Shop manages the university’s water supply and drainage systems. The department handles routine maintenance as well as emergency repairs, ensuring that plumbing fixtures and systems operate effectively to support the daily needs of the campus community. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Your request will be acknowledged within 24 hours by an assigned technician. Response times vary based on the urgency of the request. Emergency issues are prioritized, while routine requests are addressed in the order received.  
  • Kennesaw State University’s temperature policy sets a minimum cooling temperature of 72°F and a maximum heating temperature of 70°F, with a comfortable range between 66°F and 76°F maintained to achieve energy savings. During extended unoccupied periods, building temperatures will be kept between 60°F and 80°F to further conserve energy.  
  • Plant Operations will maintain existing conditions (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Carpentry). We do not install new services or modifications to buildings including building structure, walls, doors, floors, etc. These types of modifications must go through Planning, Design, and Construction and require submission of a project form and approval of department funding
  • Please submit a work order through KSU Facilities Portal.
  • In case of a power outage, please report the issue immediately. Backup power systems will activate in critical areas.  

Meet Our Team

  • Gary Paoletta – Executive Director, Plant Operations  
  • Donald Spencer – Director, Maintenance and Operations  
  • Stephen Beal – Manager, Preventative Maintenance  
  • John Bohannon – Manger, Campus Maintenance  
  • Kyle Medlen – Manager, Campus Maintenance  
  • Jeremy Gibel – Supervisor, Carpentry Shop  
  • Scott Hayes – Supervisor, Plumbing Shop  
  • Carl Larsen – Supervisor, HVAC   
  • Elliot Dennis – Plant Operations Mechanical/Electrical Engineer  
  • Abigail Dixon – Associate Director, Energy Management and Utilities  
  • Katherine Zhou – Technical Liaison, Business Systems - CMMS  
  • Tara Moore – Administrative Assistant   
  • Finley Petron – Administrative Assistant