Since 2016, I have worked at the University of Arkansas. I am the mother of a 16-month-old boy and a licensed architect. I worked in the private sector for years before joining the Community Design Center, an outreach program of the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design, and then the Facilities Management Planning and Design group, where I currently work as a campus planner. I currently chair the Chancellor's Commission on Women and I have served in the Staff Senate since 2018, where I chair the Parking, Transit, and Safety Committee.

Volunteering and contributing to the Staff Senate and the Chancellor’s Commission on Women is a valuable way to use my knowledge, skills, and strengths, and to serve the community where I’m living and working.

As someone who values the mission of higher education, I’ve had the privilege of working in this field for nearly twenty years. After earning a doctorate in psychology from the University of Arkansas, I began my career as a faculty member at a community college and later moved into a staff administrative position. I returned to the University of Arkansas last year as an Organizational Change Manager (and I’m thrilled to be back!). When not working, I spend my time reading dystopian fiction, watching zombie movies, and throwing tennis balls for my three dogs.

I’d love the opportunity to serve on Staff Senate and advocate for the needs of university staff. The field of higher education is changing and faces new challenges and opportunities. Staff are essential to the University of Arkansas’s continued ability to grow and adapt. Staff morale, working conditions, and compensation are important issues that need to remain institutional priorities.

In 2017, I embarked on my professional journey at the University of Arkansas, initially joining the Bookstore team. My decision to enroll as a student at the university to complete my undergraduate degree was driven by the opportunity to benefit from the employee tuition discount. Following my graduation, I started a position in University Housing. During this time, I was admitted into the communication master’s program. Seeking a role more closely aligned with my educational focus, I pursued and secured a position in Human Resources. As I near the completion of my master’s degree and prepare for graduation this Spring, I currently serve as staff development coordinator. This role not only complements my educational background but also centers on enhancing employee engagement and experience, an area that I am passionate about.

One aspect of serving on Staff Senate that excites me is the opportunity to serve as an advocate for my fellow staff members, which aligns with the University of Arkansas’ strategic pillar of being an employer of choice. Being a Staff Senate member will enable me to voice and address the concerns and needs of university employees. By representing the voices of the university’s staff members, I hope to contribute to changes that enhance the well-being of our workforce and benefit the broader university community as a whole.

HI. My background in education is extensive. As a student earning a B.S. in Education, I worked in after-school care programs. Once I earned my degree, I started teaching middle school and then high school. After spending ten years teaching, I moved to the Northwest Arkansas area where I began working at NWACC. I worked there for over seven years as a coordinator and then director of the Testing Center. While doing that, I earned my M.Ed. here at UARK in Higher Education. I began working for the Global Campus in 2016 and moved to Human Resources in 2021 because I wanted to work on campus. I currently work in Talent Development as an Onboarding Specialist.

I am excited to be involved in learning more about policies and plans for current and future employees. I want to give our staff a voice, not just in policy but also in the larger picture. Sometimes, it feels like everything in the university revolves around students and faculty. I know we would not be here without them, but they would not be here without a staff to support them.