Creative Problem-Solving: Lucas Guthrie, Director of IT and Facilities

Eight Questions with Lucas Guthrie, CAPLA Director of IT and Facilities

"There is a lot of talent in the college and I’m always learning new ways of seeing and doing things."
 

CAPLA Director of IT and Facilities Lucas Guthrie and his team are known for their creative problem-solving and can-do attitude. Learn more about Guthrie, who joined the college in 2015 and was recently honored with the Dean's Award for Exceptional Service for his work on the CAPLA West Building renovation.

What brought you to CAPLA, and where did you work before joining the college?

I chose to come back to CAPLA because of the creative work being done by the faculty and students and the incredible resources and learning opportunities available in the Materials Labs. I have worked across the university in the Colleges of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Nursing.

Tell us about your current work.

I provide IT strategic planning and support for CAPLA faculty, staff and students. I have also been heavily involved in the building renovation process.

Image

What do you most enjoy about directing IT and facilities?

I really enjoy helping people avoid or bypass the barriers and frustration caused by IT issues. I also love seeing all the creative work being done by our students, especially the side projects they do for themselves in the Materials Lab. There is a lot of talent in the college and I’m always learning new ways of seeing and doing things.

What are the biggest challenges at CAPLA, and how can we overcome these challenges?

There are a lot of competing needs in the college due to limited resources and time. This sometimes makes it difficult to make everyone happy. However, through compromise, ingenuity and hard work, we can move forward in ways that everyone can agree on.

Can you share a favorite story working with students?

While there are a number of great projects we have been involved in with the college, one of the earliest examples was when a student offered to show us how to make a javelina garden display using a plasma cutter and arc welder after we showed interest in the one he made. That kind of caring and willingness to share experiences really represents what CAPLA is.

Beyond your job, what are your passions?

I enjoy making things and being at CAPLA give me the opportunities to try different tools and get training from experts in a variety of fields.

What is your advice for students to find success at CAPLA and UArizona?

The best advice to students is to reach out and ask for help. Faculty and staff are here to help you succeed.

What does the CAPLA experience mean for you?

The CAPLA experience is all about learning and helping. It’s also about hard work, but I like to focus on the learning and helping. ;-)

Learn more about Lucas Guthrie, or explore how you can support college-wide information technologies, facilities and other essential CAPLA needs.