At-large

Walter Green

I am a proud native of Northwestern Arkansas, multigenerational Arkansan, UA alumni, and multi-decade staff member. My current role is Director of Enterprise Systems within IT Services.

I enjoy providing feedback and input into the issues and concerns of the UA Staff community while also learning more about the interworking of the institution.

Lance Grigsby

My name is Lance Grigsby, and my current role at the University is the Custodial Administrator of the Arkansas Union. I oversee a team of 12 Custodians, 2 Custodial Supervisors, and soon to be 3 Facilities Assistants (Student Workers). I'm from Ozark, Arkansas, and graduated from the High School there in 2006. After High School I was accepted into the University of Arkansas' Music Department where I studied Trombone Performance. During my time in the music department I was a part of the University Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Razorback Marching Band along with being a recording engineer in the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall where I recorded hundreds of recitals. After music school I served as an adjunct music teacher at several Northwest Arkansas schools. I have also been a member of local music groups such as Arkansalsa, and the Fayetteville Jazz Collective. Presently, I'm finishing up a degree in History at UARK with an emphasis on Asian Studies. I will graduate in Fall 2024.

Kara Karstedt

My name is Kara Karstedt, I have worked for the university for six years. During my tenure, I have held roles in IT Services as the Executive Assistant to the CIO for the past year, from 2013 to 2019 in Business Services and the College of Engineering. As a member of the university’s staff, you are a member of the university team.

As an advocate for our staff, I would be proud to have the opportunity to serve and play an active role in positively influencing the quality of our campus community. Becoming a staff senate member would allow me to become a servant leader to our staff across campus, serve others, and help our university achieve its goal of employer of choice while meeting new peers with the same excitement and passion that I have for our staff members.

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.

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!