What’s your job? is a series focused on the work of FP&M employees. As the largest and most diverse nonacademic unit on campus, it can be challenging to learn everything our division is responsible for. These stories shine a light on FP&Mers and what they do to keep campus safe, sustainable and successful.
Andrew Henter never expected that his degree would lead him into the crawlspaces and mechanical rooms of UW–Madison. While officially a Zone Facility Specialist with FP&M Physical Plant, the former criminal justice major could easily go by the alternate title of building detective.
“I use my investigative training in different ways,” Andrew said. “ I’m not looking for criminals, but I’m helping identify broken things. I like the investigating, the understanding, the why.”
Just like detective work, uncovering plans for care, maintenance and development of facilities isn’t always straightforward. Andrew balances these responsibilities, navigating many buildings and ensuring all aspects of his zone are accounted for.
“My educational background is in criminal justice, but I have a lifelong background in maintenance and facilities,” Andrew said. Out of college, he began
work in the maintenance department of Blessed Sacrament schools and church in Madison, eventually becoming their maintenance director. Andrew began working as a Facility Specialist at FP&M in 2019.
The investigation begins with sorting through incoming “clues,” or as we call them in FP&M: work orders. These vary from small cleanups and repairs to larger requests for
renovations. As a Zone Facility Specialist, Andrew oversees an area of over 50 campus spaces, including Babcock Hall and the Washburn Observatory. He organizes and sorts these tasks into buckets for completion, building a “case” for each project.
Sometimes this process isn’t as direct as it may seem, and it’s not always easy to understand what a customer needs. So Andrew conducts interviews, performs site visits, follows up, and keeps the channels of communication open.
Project success often hinges on the ability to pivot. While troubleshooting a jammed door protecting the telescope inside the Washburn Observatory, the evidence seemed to point in different directions. Andrew’s first theory — the mechanical gears — was a dead end, but upon a second inspection, the real issue was with the roller and tracks the door moved along. Despite making an initial repair, the door soon jammed again. Andrew and the Physical Plant team were back on the case and discovered a new suspect: a piece of dislodged metal blocking the door from opening.
“There’s a little bit of an unknown sometimes,” Andrew reflected. “But you can’t give up. If we don’t try. What’s the alternative?”
With so many moving parts, this variety and challenge are what Andrew enjoys, and what drew him to the position.
“I like to take on a task or issue where potentially the solution isn’t known,” Andrew explained. “I enjoy the digging into it.”
Andrew believes collaboration is important and central to this role, often working with coworkers who specialize in different fields. Most significantly, Andrew enjoys working with Vocational Facility Specialists, employees with specialized backgrounds with trades skills like plumbing, electric or masonry.
“They have a lot of knowledge and expertise,” Andrew said. “Some have been on campus for many years.”
He emphasized the shared knowledge and assistance Vocational Facility Specialists have in specific trades, such as plumbing or roofing. Andrew praised their guidance in areas he isn’t as familiar with.
Working with building managers, employees, and the overall campus community, Andrew is leaving a lasting impact on the university. Navigating this large system, he seamlessly combines his background in facilities and investigation, guiding projects from discovery to “case closed.”
Want to learn more about FP&M Physical Plant? More information is available on the UW-Madison Physical Plant web page. You can get in touch with Andrew Henter at andrew.henter@wisc.edu.
By: Alyna Hildenbrand
Alyna Hildenbrand is a strategic communications student intern with FP&M Marketing & Communications. She is a junior at UW-Madison majoring in journalism with a certificate in sports communication. Alyna has been working at FP&M since March of 2026.