Each Thursday, we randomly feature a medical center employee.
This week, we learn more about:
- Name: Terry Vail
- Hometown: Omaha
- No. of years at UNMC: In June, it will be 48 years.
Tell us a bit about what you do here at UNMC.
I’m a facilities operation coordinator for Research and Education Zones. My technical knowledge is in plumbing, medical gas and fire protection systems. In the zones, I help schedule work orders, do estimates, train and assist where needed and sometimes where I’m not needed. I have an Omaha Master and Journeymen Plumbing License and help with the plumbing design and inspection in the new buildings and remodels. I also have a Grade VI Water Operators License from the State of Nebraska to install and repair backflow preventer valves. There are close to 500 valves on campus that protect our drinking water. I do the administration work to make sure these valves are tested once a year and operate properly.
Teamwork is one of UNMC’s brand values. Tell us of a time you witnessed a person or group demonstrating teamwork at UNMC.
I witness teamwork every day. Since we went to Zone Maintenance, I see the different trades share their knowledge and skills with other team members in the zones to help to complete their tasks. This is especially true when there is a failure in a critical piece of equipment when all team members work together to repair the equipment and put it back in service.
What is your favorite spring activity?
Watching my wife mow the lawn – a few years ago after a back injury, I couldn’t mow for a while, so we bought an electric start mower so that my wife could do the mowing. She now likes to mow all the time. She calls it productive pacing.
List three things people may not know about you.
- I am certified to teach a continuing education class for Grade VI Operators.
- At 17, I joined the Navy Reserves and did two years of active duty after high school. I’m a Vietnam veteran.
- I build Lego Technic models, and no, I do not let my grandchildren play with them yet.
Terry – I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, but congratulations on 48 years at UNMC
Terry is a wonderful person and a great asset to UNMC.
Very interesting! Thank you for your military service. You are appreciated!
Terry, since I joined the Facilities department in 2012 to implement and support Information Technology, it has been a great pleasure to work with you. You have positively embraced the challenges that have accompanied changes in our organization. Your knowledge, experience, and can-do attitude are real difference makers.
Terry, thank you for serving our country!
Congratulations ……short timer…..LOL
Nice article Terry. You are valuable asset for UNMC and I always enjoyed working with you with your "can do" attitude and humerus personality.