Building Excellence: Dave Plichta

Dave Plichta currently serves as the IT Manager for Facilities and Planning, Design & Construction (PD&C) at Florida State University - the go-to when things get a little… glitchy. His career at FSU spans more than three decades and reflects a steady evolution shaped by both technical expertise and institutional knowledge.

He began working at FSU in 1993 as a Teaching Assistant for CHM 1045L, followed by an OPS role as a Hazardous Waste Technician with Chemical Safety in Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) in 1994. After a brief departure in 1997 to work at the University of Memphis, Plichta returned to FSU in 1998 as a Health Physicist with Radiation Safety in EH&S. As his interests increasingly focused on technology, he transitioned into IT-focused roles, becoming a Systems Programmer in 2000 and later a Technology Administrator in 2006. When EH&S IT and Facilities IT merged during key personnel changes in the COVID era, Plichta stepped into the role of interim Associate Director for IT. In 2022, that position was officially reclassified as IT Manager, the role he holds today.

Although FSU has been the primary home of his professional career, Plichta entered the workforce at a young age. His first job, at age 15, was at Bessinger’s Barbeque in Charleston, South Carolina - an experience that left him with a lasting belief that mustard-based BBQ sauce reigns supreme, at least when it comes to pulled pork. Academically, Plichta began college with aspirations to become a physician. However, life, work, and family took priority, leading him to focus on building a career rather than completing a degree. Still, he notes that returning to school to finish his education remains a personal goal.

In his current role, Plichta oversees the teams responsible for ensuring that Facilities and PD&C have the technology and systems needed to operate effectively. This includes managing servers and software that support daily operations, as well as supervising the

Service Center. While the job involves plenty of meetings and emails, it also requires adaptability and trust in a highly capable team. A typical day begins with coffee, refilling his candy dish, reviewing meetings and emails, and checking in with staff to address priorities and any emerging issues. While most days run smoothly, occasional server or network issues keep things interesting.

Plichta’s favorite part of working at FSU is the variety and the visible impact of the work being done across campus. He appreciates that no two days are the same and enjoys moments like hearing the Marching Chiefs warming up in the fall or walking campus after work and seeing how Facilities’ efforts directly affect the FSU community. He takes particular pride in watching members of his team grow, take on new challenges, and solve problems in creative ways.

Outside of work, Plichta is an avid cook and baker, with interests ranging from breads and pastries to pizzas and smoked or braised meats. He is also a devoted Star Wars fan - complete with more than one lightsaber on display in his office. When the weather cooperates, he and his family enjoy kayaking on the Wacissa or Wakulla rivers. Plichta has been married to his wife, Teri, for 29 years, and they have two grown children, Rachel and Chris, who work locally. Their household also includes a three-legged dog named Cooper, a senior cat named Nori, and several fish tanks.