Before any new or renovated building at the University of Georgia opens to the campus community, contract compliance specialists Ray McDonald, Bubba Cowart, and Ike Free ensure it meets safety standards.
“We’re on the job from concrete pours to final inspections,” said Cowart. Their responsibilities include inspecting materials for code compliance, monitoring construction activities such as overnight concrete pours, and coordinating necessary utility shutdowns during projects. As members of the Office of University Architects, they collaborate with contractors to confirm that work is completed properly and on schedule.
“You’re on the project from start to finish,” McDonald stated.
The trio has worked together in their current roles since September 2024 but have a longer history of collaboration in various capacities. Their work involves frequent interaction with both internal university staff and external contractors and municipalities.
“We wear a lot of hats on a day-to-day basis,” McDonald said.
McDonald has been with the university for three decades, starting in the Large HVAC Shop before moving into his present position in 2005. Cowart spent 13 years with Athens-Clarke County’s inspection office and another 11 years building houses before joining the Office of University Architects in 2008. Free’s background is in electrical construction; he worked as an outside contractor with UGA since 1993—often inspected by McDonald and Cowart—before joining the team last year.
“One of the good things about working here as a contractor was that I knew most of the nuances already,” Free noted.
While all three work toward ensuring compliance with building codes and design standards, each has specific responsibilities: Cowart acts as main liaison with Athens-Clarke County, while McDonald coordinates with Atlanta Gas Light.
Their daily routines vary widely—they may be at different job sites across UGA’s extended campuses or handling permits in their office. This variety is something they appreciate about their jobs.
“We work together really well even if we don’t see each other daily,” said Cowart.
“We’ll go help each other,” added McDonald. “Everybody knows that all you’ve got to do is make a phone call or send a text, and someone will be there helping you out. It’s a team effort.”
McDonald emphasized that teamwork extends beyond their immediate office: “Good contractors make our life easier.”
They often conduct joint inspections so one might catch details another misses. The summer months are especially busy as they strive to complete projects before fall semester begins.
“It’s rewarding to finish a project,” Cowart commented.
Each specialist has favorite projects: Cowart cites the Lindsey Hopkins Indoor Facility at Dan Magill Tennis Complex; Free enjoyed work at Sanford Stadium; McDonald looks forward to seeing progress on the Medical Education and Research Building because his daughter plans to enter medicine after graduating from UGA.
“It’s rewarding to see a project from start to finish. It makes you feel like you have a part of it,” said McDonald.
Throughout every phase—from concrete pours through final inspections—the team keeps future users’ needs top-of-mind.
“I make sure that when I leave each day, I know that I’ve done something to better UGA,” McDonald concluded.
