At-large
At-large Staff Senate Members
Miriam Phwandaphwanda
Hi! My name is Miriam and I have been working at UARK since 2022. I currently work
in the College of Engineering as the Coordinator of Recruitment, Outreach, and Summer
Programs and previously worked as an Admissions Counselor for out-of-state students.
I grew up in Conway, Arkansas, and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas
in 2022, receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing. In May 2026, I will
be graduating with my Master of Education in Higher Education.
I enjoy serving on Staff Senate because I can advocate for people across campus. My goal is to collaborate and contribute as much as possible, while fostering a positive community and representing fellow staff members. I am grateful to know that being a member of Staff Senate means that I can make a difference and continue to give back to the university.
Jason Riley
My name is Jason Riley, and I am a proud 1st-generation college graduate from the
University of Central Arkansas. I have been working in higher education now roughly
10 years, and I currently serve as the Program Manager for the Venture Intern Program
within the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I have been with the University
of Arkansas since 2018 starting off in the Multicultural Center, via the College Access
Team. While in this role I served on a plethora a of Student Affairs committees. In
addition to working full time, I also graduated for the second time from the Higher
Education program with my M.Ed. emphasis on higher education administration. I enjoy
basketball, singing really loud with one of my favorite artists, Adele, and traveling.
One of the things that excites me most about possibly serving on Staff Senate is the possibility of becoming a part of something that is so bigger than me. Being able to champion behind others and serve the needs to become one university is something I feel is very important to me. Coming from the Division of Student Affairs, I have had many chances to work across many units, and I believe this position places me in place to do the same on the academic side of the university. I am a true champion of the people, and I just want to serve, and that is truly the most exciting part about this process for me!
Mary Skinner
My name is Mary Skinner, and I serve as the Director for the Office of Student Activities,
a department within the Division of Student Affairs. I have worked at the university
20 years and became a alumni in 2020 when I finished my doctorate. My name is finally
in Senior Walk. GO HOGS!
I am most excited about advocating for staff and hearing about experiences staff are having at the university. It is important to hear the positive and negative stories so we can make changes to improve all staff experiences. I am also very excited about all the Staff Senate recognitions including Employee of the Quarter/Year and Team Award along with scholarships.
Myrlinda Soedjede
I currently serve as Staff Wellness Specialist within Talent Development in the central
Human Resources department. Other roles I have held on campus include: Administrative
Specialist in Institutional Research and Assessment, HE Program Coordinator in the
Provost's office, Fiscal Project Manager in the IDEALS Institute (within the division
of DEI), and Manager of HR Operational and Fiscal Projects. I have a bachelor's degree
in molecular, cellular and developmental biology from
the University of Colorado Boulder, a master's degree in higher education (administration
focus) from the University of Arkansas, and a graduate certificate in project management
also from the University of Arkansas.
What I like most about serving on Staff Senate is the opportunity to be an advocate for staff in conversations with leadership and to help elevate staff voices while shedding light on our experiences as employees. I enjoy finding ways to support, celebrate, advance, and award staff, ensuring that we feel seen, heard, and valued and can thrive in our roles. I'm particularly passionate about employee wellness and enjoy working to increase attention to this topic, helping staff develop ways to maintain holistic wellbeing, minimize burnout, and thrive both personally and professionally. Additionally, I love celebrating staff at events like awards ceremonies, the Employee Service Reception, and the annual Staff Celebration picnic, and I'm grateful to support these meaningful efforts that recognize the contributions of our colleagues.
Trish Watkins
My name is Trish Watkins, and this May will mark my 39th year with the University
of Arkansas. I have spent over half that time as a member of Staff Senate, advocating
for you. I have held multiple leadership roles during that time, including serving
as Chair for 6 terms. I thought this was going to be the year I "hung up my hat" as
a senator, but feel now is not the time. I am one that you can count on to advocate
for you. I would appreciate your vote!
Advocating for each and every staff member on this campus! We are ALL vital to the success of the institution!