Tim Wages

Staff Q & A

Hometown: found in a Walmart shopping cart

Title: Building Facilities Supervisor for ARKU

Years of Service: 15 years plus

Education: Master Journeyman Electrician, studying for HVAC Journeyman degree.

ARMY and NAVY electronics trainings, 39L, OSHA certifications

How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I have worked in Students affairs for 15 years plus.  My job has me working in all areas of the ARKU.  The networking of individuals that keep the University of Arkansas going has provided me with the wealth of friendships, the knowledge of diversity, and the wisdom to relate to the individual.  I have met great people from diverse backgrounds, other countries, and different lifestyles.  My ability to listen and ask questions has established great friendships throughout the years.  

Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role? 

My role in Student Affairs is to keep the Arkansas Union from falling apart, the building operational, the building open to students, and to create a safe place for individuals to visit.  

What brings me joy is hearing the feedback from students that comment on how great the Arkansas Union is, how clean the building is, and how the building is always available even in inclement weather.  The students consider Arkansas Union a safe place on campus and that lets me know that I am doing my job correctly. 

What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that? 

The biggest misconception people have about Student Affairs is that most of the people doing the groundwork in Students Affairs are not college graduates.  Individuals in the skilled trades careers train for 4 years in a certified program and take national examinations to have jobs such as electricians, plumbers, hvac, and other skilled trades positions.  Skilled trade workers keep the buildings on campus operational.  They keep the toilets working, the campus lights burning, the buildings cooled and heated.    

What do you like to do with your time outside of the University? 

I love to spend time building homes for habitat for humanity.  I volunteer with local churches to help elderly people who do not have the financial resources, the opportunity to keep their home repaired and to have electricity or the heat or cooling on during times of need.  My free time is spent with my wife and two bulldogs rescued from puppy mills, Lilly and Louie.   

What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions? 

I hope people remember that Tim was always willing to help.  He took the extra effort to buy a student a meal that did not have any money left on their Razorbuck$ or meal plan.  He liked to get to know a person and respected the person for their beliefs and lifestyles even if they did not align with his lifestyles or viewpoints.  He always did what he said he would do.   

Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know? 

My wife is a registered nurse and who is the reason I have learned so much about helping others. She is always tired when she gets home but still reflects on how she was able to help someone out today.  The satisfaction that she made someone else’s life better today is why she loves her job. 

I think that if you treat people with dignity, respect and invest your time in getting to know someone, it will lead to enrichment in your life and theirs.  Favorite quote “Just stop believing that there is more than one race.  Realize that we are all members of the same race.  The human race.” – Jane Elliott