“My ultimate goal is to keep our University employees, faculty and students safe.”

   A Monticello native, Van Dee attended UAM from 1993 to 1998, graduating with a degree in Business. He went to work for Georgia Pacific in Fordyce where he learned safety training. Van Dee said he enjoys being back on campus.

   “It’s a lot better commute to work now” he said.

   Van Dee oversees McGehee and Crossett campus as well as Monticello. The job was formerly done by Van Dee’s new boss Jim Hudgins, Director of the physical plant.

   “The role of the Occupational Safety Coordinator is very important to the University. His job, in brief, is to help protect the health and safety of students and staff on campus. An important component of this is to ensure that the University is in compliance with all applicable Federal and State Regulations.” Hudgins said.

   Whenever waste is made, for instance in a chemistry lab or blood in the Nursing program, it is Van Dee’s job to dispose of it properly, or as Van Dee puts it.

   “I’m the middle man, from when waste is made to the point it is picked up, I make sure it doesn’t spill and that it is stored properly.” Van Dee said.

   After that an environmental company picks it up. He also inspects campus buildings and manages the employee safety training program. Van Dee said he looks forward to working with students and faculty to keep everyone safe.