Below are the people who have been nominated for open seats in the Staff Senate. Please take some time to look them over. Each person on this list has done amazing things for the university and each will make a great senator.

Job Family 1 has one open seat and five people running. 

Sandy Johnson

Works in the Faculty Senate Office

Has been at MSU for 17 years

Staff Senate is one of the most important ways MSU staff can connect, be a part of the MSU community and contribute ideas, effort and wisdom to the betterment of staff.

 

Margaret Osler

Works in Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services and previously worked in Broadcast Services.

Has been at MSU for 9 years

I want to help make Missouri State University the best possible workplace it could be by advocating for thoughtful change. I want to represent all levels and areas of staffing, especially those who may sometimes be overlooked, like our third shift staff. I’m passionate about networking with folks from other divisions and areas, with the goal of finding creative ways to connect our work and help each other out. I’ve had a fantastic professional experience at Missouri State University, and I think I have a skill-set that can serve the rest of the staff of MSU well.

 

Rhonda Williams

Office of the President

Has been at MSU 2 years

While I haven’t been here long compared to others, my motivation stems from the opportunity to advocate for policies and initiatives that improve our work environment and benefit staff. My involvement in Staff Senate would allow me to collaborate with colleagues from different departments and work together towards common goals.

 

Cynthia Warnow

University Safety, Administrative Assistant II

Has been at MSU for 24 years

I would like to Staff to be heard as they voice their concerns, ideas, and praises of the university. I have seen some great ideas be implemented and Staff Senate has become very respected in my time at the University.

 

Vicki Kramer

Executive Assistant IV to the Office of Inclusive Engagement. Executive Assistant III in the Office of the Provost from 2019-2023.

Has been at MSU for 9 years.

Before moving to Missouri, I was an elected staff representative for our support staff association. In that previous role, I represented members in the southern counties of California. I was actively engaged in policy changes that impacted the daily work life of association members. I also had the opportunity to represent individuals at regional and state levels. That experience helped to develop my leadership and communication skills. I thoroughly enjoyed the work and have been away from it for several years. I completed the University Staff Ambassadors program in 2023, which provided strong inspiration for me to get involved again. Staff Senate is providing that opportunity.

 

 

Job Family 4 has four open seats and eight people running.

Kathleen Hahn

School of Anesthesia, Admission Counselor/Academic Coordinator

Has been at MSU 6 years

I have served on Staff Senate for 3 years and have been a part of the Executive Board for the last 2 years.  I love that I am involved in many of the decisions on how to improve staff work life here on the campus.

 

Kelly Evans

Financial Aid

Has been at MSU 15 years.

In Staff Senate, I like being able to work towards positive changes for staff to ensure that we recruit and retain excellent employees. I have also loved learning about programs and offerings that not all staff may be aware of, and am able to bring that back to our staff.

 

Kelly Schlinder

College of Education, Professional Education Services Office as a Field Placement and Compliance Specialist

Has been at MSU 9+ years.

I enjoy advocating for staff. I also enjoy learning what is happening on campus and sharing that information with current colleagues and new ones through Bear Connection. Senate allows me to relay interests and concerns from other staff and to make a difference by getting involved in activities, volunteer opportunities, and research opportunities.

 

Adam Niesen

Administrative and Financial Coordinator in the Office of Research Administration.

Has been at MSU 1+ years

What motivates me to be part Senate is my desire to improve the well-being of staff. I want to advocate for the needs of not just my Job Family, but all staff. Doing so will not only improve the welfare of staff, but that of faculty and students as well.

 

Emily Letterman

Department of Strategic Communication

Has been at MSU 1+ years

I’m a member of the university’s Staff Appreciation Committee and it’s great to help honor staff in that way. However, I know I can do more. I see – and hear from other staffers –  about areas where we can improve. I think I can help with that. Staff are just as important to the university as both students and faculty are – I truly believe it takes everyone to make MSU great. In my personal life, I am very politically minded and involved in the civic process. I would like to do so professionally as well. I’m a member of Staff Appreciation Committee and it’s great to honor staff. However, I know I can do more. I hear from other staffers –  about areas where we can improve. Staff are as important as both students and faculty– I believe it takes everyone to make MSU great.
Sierra Chitwood

Coordinator of Living-Learning Communities in Residence Life Housing and Dining Services

Has been at MSU 1+ years

I would like to have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with staff members across the institution. I would love to hear about the great work that others are doing around campus and bring that information back to my department to share, and I would like to stay up to date on university issues that we can collaborate on as a group to better serve staff members and students. I am also interested in getting more involved with staff senate events and programs, so I would enjoy serving on a committee. I would like the opportunity to meet and collaborate with staff to hear about the great work that others are doing around campus and bring that information back to my department. I would like to stay up to date on university issues to better serve staff members and students.

 

Donna Murphy

Clinical Education Coordinator in the Physician Assistant Studies Department, formerly Administrative Assistant in the School of Nursing

Has been at MSU 6 years

I appreciate that we have a Staff Senate available to take staff concerns, praises, ideas, and suggestions to higher University administrators. This gives staff a voice that otherwise might not be heard. I also think the activities and events planned by the Senate can be an encouragement for university staff. Even if someone chooses not to participate, it is nice to know things are planned for their benefit. I think it is important for many staff with different experiences and perspectives to be involved in the Senate, and I would be happy to be a part of this group. I appreciate that we have Staff Senate to take concerns, praises, ideas, and suggestions to administrators. Activities and events planned by Senate can be an encouragement. I think it is important for staff with different experiences and perspectives to be involved, and would be happy to be a part.

 

Nicholas Horne

Director of the TRIO Upward Bound Program housed within Multicultural Services

Has been at MSU 3+ years

I am seeking an opportunity to become better connected with the university and local community. I also have immense value for accurate representation and being a voice at the table. I believe debate is an asset to any organization and hope to be a representative for my peers, even if it may be an unpopular opinion. I also believe I bring years of successful organizational leadership, higher education knowledge, grant writing, board operations, and a successful record of being a productive member of a board. Finally, I will be an advocate perspective for marginalized students, while being a champion for student success and giving voice to those who are often unheard. I am seeking an opportunity to become better connected with the university and local community. I also have immense value for accurate representation and being a voice at the table. I believe debate is an asset to any organization and hope to be a representative for my peers, even if it may be an unpopular opinion. I also believe I bring years of successful organizational leadership, higher education knowledge, grant writing, board operations, and a successful record of being a productive member of a board. Finally, I will be an advocate perspective for marginalized students, while being a champion for student success and giving voice to those who are often unheard.