Finance and Administration

Michela Cupello

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.

Ruth Parcells

I embraced new challenges amid the pandemic and ventured to the University of Arkansas, where I now serve as the Senior Specialist for Governance, Risk and Compliance. In this role, I lead the university’s data security initiatives, develop cybersecurity policies and provide comprehensive training programs. My work reflects my dedication to strengthening cybersecurity awareness and education across campus.

Before joining the University of Arkansas, I worked at the University of Virginia, where I held various roles in Audit, Compliance, and Advancement for more than 14 years.

My involvement with the Staff Senate at the University of Arkansas comes from a genuine desire to make a difference and support my colleagues. I find fulfillment in contributing to the Senate’s events and initiatives, and I enjoy being part of efforts that enhance campus life. My commitment to the Staff Senate is driven by my passion for advocacy and my focus on addressing staff concerns. I value the platform the Senate provides for staff to voice their opinions and raise issues that directly affect them. With a pragmatic approach and an eye toward tangible outcomes, I see my role as an opportunity to foster positive change and help build a more inclusive, supportive environment for all staff members at the university.

Allen Porter

Serving on Staff Senate is an extension of my commitment to the University of Arkansas community. In my role with the University of Arkansas Police Department, I see firsthand the value of connection, communication and showing up for one another. Staff Senate gives me the opportunity to support those same values on a broader scale.

I believe every employee — no matter their department, background or job title — should feel seen, heard and supported. My goal is to help strengthen the bridges between staff and campus leadership, advocate for meaningful improvements, and contribute to a culture where safety, respect and collaboration guide every decision.

It is an honor to represent our staff and to serve a campus I deeply care about.

Shannon Siebler

My background in education is extensive. I have a B.S. in Education and began working part-time for the local school system. Once I earned my degree, I started teaching middle school and then high school. Next, 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 working as a director and teaching for them part-time, 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. I currently work in Talent Development as an Onboarding Specialist facilitating New Employee Orientation, Workday 101 and building a one-year onboarding plan for new staff.

I am excited to be involved in learning more about policies and plans for current and future employees. I would like staff to feel like they have a voice in policy and initiatives.