How He Keeps Campus Rolling
Meet Rocky Garcia, Manager of Fleet Services
How He Keeps Campus Rolling
Meet Rocky Garcia, Manager of Fleet Services
By Natasha Saad
Behind every cart, truck and service vehicle operating across campus is a small team working to keep the University of Houston community moving safely and efficiently.
From preventive maintenance and fuel operations to vehicle purchasing, repairs and sustainability efforts, UH’s Automotive and Fleet Management department plays a critical role in supporting daily campus operations.
Managing more than 500 University vehicles and equipment assets, the department works behind the scenes to ensure campus partners have reliable transportation while maintaining compliance with state and federal guidelines. The team also supports UH’s sustainability goals by incorporating more low-emission and electric vehicles into the fleet.
We spoke with Rocky Garcia, manager of Fleet Services, about his role, the challenges of managing a large campus fleet and what it takes to keep University operations running smoothly every day.
Rocky Garcia ready to start his day at Fleet Services.
Rocky Garcia ready to start his day at Fleet Services.
Can you tell us about your role at UH and what your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
RG: Fleet Management oversees the purchase, operation and disposal of golf carts, highway vehicles and larger vehicles such as roll-off trucks and our fuel truck. In addition to managing the fleet, we also oversee the fuel stations on campus for Fleet Operations. Day to day, I work with campus partners to ensure departments have the transportation and support they need to operate safely and efficiently.
What services does the Automotive and Fleet Management department provide to the campus community?
RG: Fleet Management is the central hub for service and repair of all UH-owned equipment. Our team works to provide the campus community with safe transportation while maintaining compliance with state and federal guidelines. In collaboration with UH Risk Management, we review and update SAM and MAPP policies and provide vehicle training for campus users.
What does a typical day look like for you in fleet services?
RG: Most mornings start with greeting my team and meeting with leadership to review priorities for the day. Throughout the day, I work with campus partners to enhance their ability to provide services to the campus community. This includes planning around vehicle replacement, coordinating repairs and exploring rental or lease options versus purchasing new vehicles.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
RG: I enjoy having the opportunity to contribute to the University’s mission and the overall satisfaction of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. It is rewarding to know our work helps keep campus operations moving safely and efficiently every day.
How does fleet services support the University’s mission?
RG: Fleet Services works to review how vehicles are utilized for day-to-day operations across campus. In that review process, we look for opportunities to make adjustments and place the appropriate transportation resources in circulation with campus partners. By helping departments operate efficiently and safely, we support the University’s overall mission and help utilize campus resources in the best way possible.
Ready to check out a vehicle? Go ahead and sign out!
Ready to check out a vehicle? Go ahead and sign out!
Just a little lift before patrol duty.
Just a little lift before patrol duty.
Where campus carts go for a tune-up and a glow-up.
Where campus carts go for a tune-up and a glow-up.
What is one thing you wish users would be mindful of when using the equipment?
RG: Safety when operating and maintaining any of the fleet is absolutely paramount. All users of fleet equipment should take measures to ensure staff is trained, vehicles are released for service and repair concerns are reported promptly.
How is your department working to improve sustainability or reduce the fleet’s carbon footprint?
RG: We review all inquiries for new or replacement vehicles to determine the best fit for both operations and the environment. A large part of the golf cart fleet is either EV or recognized as low-speed, low-emission vehicles, and we continue exploring opportunities to incorporate more sustainable options into the fleet.
What is something you want people to know about you?
RG: I am an avid cyclist and golfer. I can also go pound for pound with some of the best BBQ ribs and brisket in the city.
Describe UH in three words.
RG: Exciting. Welcoming. Supportive.
What is one thing you wish users would be mindful of when using the equipment?
RG: Safety when operating and maintaining any of the fleet is absolutely paramount. All users of fleet equipment should take measures to ensure staff is trained, vehicles are released for service and repair concerns are reported promptly.
How is your department working to improve sustainability or reduce the fleet’s carbon footprint?
RG: We review all inquiries for new or replacement vehicles to determine the best fit for both operations and the environment. A large part of the golf cart fleet is either EV or recognized as low-speed, low-emission vehicles, and we continue exploring opportunities to incorporate more sustainable options into the fleet.
What is something you want people to know about you?
RG: I am an avid cyclist and golfer. I can also go pound for pound with some of the best BBQ ribs and brisket in the city.
Describe UH in three words.
RG: Exciting. Welcoming. Supportive.
Where campus carts go for a tune-up and a glow-up.
Where campus carts go for a tune-up and a glow-up.
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