Academic Affairs

Hello! My name is Noelle Chesser. I am originally from Katy, Texas (right outside of Houston) and moved to NWA when I started my undergraduate program at the U of A. I majored in Advertising and Public Relations within the School of Journalism. Toward the end of my undergraduate experience, I realized I wanted to pursue higher education professionally. I started the master of Higher Education program right after I graduated with my bachelor's degree. I started as the GA for New Student Orientation within Enrollment Serivces and eventually moved into the full-time Coordinator role at the end of my first year of graduate school. In my last semester of grad school I was promoted to Assistant Director of New Student Orientation and Recruitment. I have been serving in this role since April 2024. I later graduated with my masters in summer of 2024. 
Since finishing grad school, I have joined NODA, the Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education. I look forward to learning more about NODA and hopefully becoming more involved with the association over time.

I am excited to get more connected with other staff members from across campus! I have had the opportunity to expand my connections due to the nature of New Student Orientation. However, I find it very valuable to be connected and better understand the roles and responsibilities of other offices. I would also like to understand how decisions are made for staff members and be a voice for the U of A staff. 

I started working at the University of Arkansas in 2010 and have valued the diverse experiences I’ve gained across campus. I’ve had the opportunity to work in several departments, including housing, student success, and now the School of Law. In my current role as Assistant Financial Operations Director, I manage financial processes, support staff with budgeting and operations, and help ensure the smooth functioning of our law school’s administrative needs.

I believe staff play a vital role in shaping positive experiences for students, and I’m committed to fostering a supportive campus environment. I’m passionate about advocating for staff and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration across campus. I’m excited to join Staff Senate to advocate for my colleagues, strengthen our campus community and help ensure that every staff member feels supported and valued in their role.

With seven years of experience in higher education, Alex Duvall is currently the Assistant Director of Workforce Coordination and Development at the University of Arkansas' Fulbright College. In this role, Alex oversees staffing and training efforts for the college, leveraging extensive expertise in human resources, student affairs, and administration. With a keen understanding of the university’s organizational structure and culture, Alex excels in navigating complex situations, providing leadership, and fostering collaboration to drive organizational success.
Starting their career in higher education at Arkansas Tech University as an Administrative Specialist, Alex has steadily advanced through various roles. Over the past five years at the University of Arkansas, Alex has demonstrated a proven track record in leadership, problem-solving, and professional communication, further honing skills that are vital to managing high-stakes processes and large-scale projects.

The opportunity to further contribute to the university community by advocating for staff needs and fostering a positive, inclusive environment. Throughout my career at the University of Arkansas, I've had the privilege of collaborating with diverse groups and working on initiatives that prioritize organizational success and inclusivity. Serving on staff senate would allow me to build on these experiences and continue driving meaningful change. I’m particularly motivated by the chance to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and problem-solving, which I’ve found to be essential in creating impactful outcomes. I look forward to using my skills in leadership, communication, and strategic planning to represent my colleagues and support initiatives that benefit the entire university community.

My name is Cindy Folsom, and I am the assistant to the Vice Provost of Distance Education. Both my undergraduate and master's degrees are from the University of Arkansas, where I have worked for over nine years. Eight of those years, I served as a senior academic advisor at the College of Education and Health Professions. While working as an advisor I often advocated for my co-workers and enjoyed the chance to be the voice for improvement. In my current position, I have the role of leading several teams on various projects and always take the time to ask their perspectives and ideas.

I am excited about the possibility of joining the Staff Senate because it allows me to represent my colleagues and staff members across campus. My goal is to contribute to creating a healthy and productive work environment. I would love to address the concerns of my fellow staff members and help find solutions.

Additionally, I would look forward to celebrating staff during the Staff Celebration Picnic and Staff Appreciation Week. I believe my strong listening skills, natural inclination for problem-solving and positive attitude in almost any situation make me a strong candidate for this role.

I've been on campus in one way or another for 24 years. I've been a student, an hourly employee and an appointed employee in multiple colleges. In my current role I serve as the Director of Grants and Research for Fulbright College, which is a great position to get to work with staff from all over the college and the university. Working in grant administration gives me a window into a lot of the different processes that happen on campus and I do my best to use my position to be a trainer, a communicator and an agent for positive change for everyone in my College and in all of our research-supporting roles across campus.

I have loved having the opportunity to serve on Staff Senate and to help advocate for our staff on campus who work so hard to support the campus and the state and I would love to continue to serve in that role. I've had the opportunity to serve on multiple committees, chaired the Elections Committee in 2023-2024 and am currently serving as the interim chair of the Internal Affairs Committee. I hope to continue to be a voice for our staff and be able to work to make our campus a better place for everyone. 

My name is Phyllis Howell, and I am the Administrative Assistant to the Associate/Assistant Deans in Graduate School and International Education. I have spent many years working in higher education, with my husband's jobs taking us to five different states. In each of those states, I worked at a college or university— three private and three public. I truly love the energy of a university campus!

I have had the privilege of serving on two staff councils — one at a public university and the other at a private college. It was an honor to represent my colleagues while also providing an opportunity to network with other departments and to connect with individuals from across campus. I'm excited to bring my experience to the Staff Senate at the University of Arkansas and to contribute to the team!

My name is Synetra Hughes, I am a U of A alum. I have worked at the University for almost 11 years. I am currently the Director of Arkansas Engagement at the Walton College of Business. . I am responsible for spearheading initiatives to foster relationships with communities, high schools, and employers across the delta in Arkansas. My objective is to work with leaders in Batesville, El Dorado, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, and Little Rock to expand awareness of the transformative opportunities available through the Walton College, while also understanding the barriers that students in these cities are facing. In my previous role I was Director of the Dr. Barbara A. Lofton Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Walton College. I also teach in the Management Department and African and African American Studies Program as an Adjunct faculty member. I am an avid volunteer throughout the NWA community and have lived here for over 20 years. 

Having worked here for almost eleven years, I never thought about the impact that Staff senate has on this campus. For a very long time, I was always in roles that were student facing so my first concern and priority was always the students. Now that I am in an outward facing role that focuses on community and the future workforce, I understand more abut the challenges that employees face. My desire to join the Staff Senate stems from my passion for advocacy, collaboration, and institutional improvement. Through this role, I seek to amplify staff voices, participate in policy discussions, and help cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes equity, professional development, and employee well-being. 

Hello! My name is Donna Jones and I am excited to be a nominee for Staff Senate. I joined the UA in 2011 and am a native Arkansan. While I did not attend UA, I have now worked in various positions in Admissions, Advising, Recruitment, and Student Engagement at the UA for over 13 years, so it definitely feels like I've been an honorary student! I have served in my current role as Director of Recruitment and Outreach at the School of Art for over 7 years. Throughout these roles and my time at the UA, I have had the privilege of working with amazing staff, faculty, and students. I've also managed various concerns brought forth from staff, faculty, and students and feel that my skillsets, experiences, and collegiality would be valuable on the Staff Senate.

I have always been lucky to be surrounded by supervisors and fellow staff that have advocated for each other both individually and as a group. I am excited to potentially serve as a representative on the Staff Senate in order to advocate for staff on a broader level. The U of A does not run without the incredible staff that show up each day, and I want to be a part of the team that celebrates and recognizes our incredible group of staff on this campus. Lastly, I want to serve as a resource for colleagues across the university to listen to concerns, ideas, and bring those to the Senate to talk through possible solutions. I greatly appreciate each person's consideration and time, and it would be an honor to serve on the Staff Senate. 

Hi, my name is Mallory Moore, and I am a staff attorney for the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative out of the law school. I mostly do research on agricultural law and how it impacts indigenous communities and help these communities build up their own agriculture programs.

What excites me most is the opportunity to get to know more about the inner workings of the University and help make important decisions for my colleagues!

My name is Stephanie Norberg. Currently, I serve as Assistant Director for Transfer Programs and Academic Advisor for the Walton College of Business.  I have worked at Walton for 2.5 years, starting as an Academic Advisor.  
I am also working on my Ph.D. in Higher Education at UARK, which is what brought me to Fayetteville. I am currently in the last part of the program as a Ph.D. candidate. Now, I just need to finish my dissertation and finally achieve my dream of being Dr. Steph.

Before working at the University, I was a full-time English instructor at the University of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton (UACCM).  At UACCM, I served on Faculty Senate and served as chair for the 2018-2019 school year.  The different opportunities I had as chair of Faculty Senate are what led me to pursue my doctorate in Higher Ed.  The experiences I was able to have serving on different committees as a Faculty Senate member and, especially, when I served as chair, introduced me to a side of higher education I had not been privy to before.  Hopefully, if I am elected on as a Staff senator, I can continue to learn and grow through new and different experiences at the University of Arkansas.

What excites me most about the possibility of serving on staff senate is the opportunity to know people from other parts of campus. Collaboration is so important in education, and I think the more people we can build relationships with across the University, the better campus as a whole can run.  

I am so excited about the chance to learn more details about the campus and the ins-and-outs of different decisions. I hope to serve as a voice for the UARK staff as well as a resource for questions or concerns about things happening on campus.  

Having the opportunity to serve on the Staff Senate would be an honor for me.  It is something that I have hoped to be able to do since I started working at the University of Arkansas. If elected, I will serve my term with professionalism and curiosity in order to learn all that I can from this experience. 

Hi, my name is Sam. I was born and raised in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and have spent nearly my entire life in Northwest Arkansas. I earned a bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Arkansas in fall 2019, followed by a master's degree in Supply Chain Management in spring 2024. Currently, I work as a Financial Aid Analyst at the Financial Aid Office. I have been in this position since June of 2022. I enjoyed my time here at the U of A as a student, and I continue to enjoy my time here as a full-time employee. Helping students and parents navigate the financial aid process has been a privilege that I am proud to be a part of. 

While I enjoy helping students and parents, the opportunity to help with the wider University staff also excites me. Serving on the Staff Senate would allow me to advocate for various issues and benefits, on the behalf of staff here at the U of A. This opportunity would also allow me to work directly with other staff members from across the University, opening me to new perspectives and ideas that I may not have been exposed to before. I am also excited in participating in work that goes beyond the initial scope of my current position, and assist in the betterment of this wonderful university.   

I currently serve as the Operations Manager in Industrial Engineering, a position I've held for six years, though I've been part of the campus community for over 14. Formerly, I was the Assistant Director of Admissions for New Student Orientation. I hold a B.A. in Journalism from Arkansas Tech and an M.Ed in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas. In my role, I oversee the department's operations, managing HR, events, alumni relations and more. Outside of work, I’m happily married to John and proud to be the mother of two wonderful children, Ellis and Remi. Our family also includes our dog, Sully, and our cat, Phoebe.

I’ve had the privilege of serving on Staff Senate for three years and currently chair the Employee of the Quarter/Year committee while also being an active member of the Communications Committee. My passion for Staff Senate comes from the opportunity it provides to stay informed about campus happenings and relay important information back to my unit, while also offering a platform to drive positive change. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness my fellow senators advocating for the improvement of both the university and its staff. I truly enjoy my role as EOQ/EOY Chair — celebrating the achievements of my colleagues is both fulfilling and inspiring. Moving forward, if I am re-elected, I’m excited to continue honoring staff members and engaging in discussions that help ensure we remain an employer of choice.

I’m Teresa Simpson, the Associate Director of Enrollment Management for the College of Engineering. I earned my master’s in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Slippery Rock University in 2020 and, since then, I’ve found a deep passion for working in higher ed. In my current role, I connect the College of Engineering with K-12 students through outreach and recruitment, helping inspire the next generation of engineers. One of the highlights of my job is organizing our annual engineering summer camps, which engages nearly 500 students for hands-on STEM experiences.

I currently serve on the Chancellor’s Commission on Women, the All-University Conduct Board, and the Title IX Appeals Board, where I also advise students navigating the conduct and Title IX processes. I previously served as secretary for the Engineering Staff Council, which gave me valuable insight into advocacy and the role of shared leadership, experience I believe would be valuable in serving on Staff Senate.

Outside of work, I’m an NWA transplant who has lived in six different states, and I can confidently say that Northwest Arkansas is my favorite place I’ve called home. The hiking and biking are my biggest highlights!

What excites me most about Staff Senate is the opportunity to be a voice for my colleagues and help create a work environment where staff feel supported, valued and heard. Staff are the backbone of the university, and I believe it’s important that we have a seat at the table when it comes to decisions that impact our daily lives.

Through my involvement in campus committees like the Chancellor’s Commission on Women and the Engineering Staff Council, I’ve seen how meaningful change happens when people come together with a shared goal. I want to bring that same spirit of collaboration to Staff Senate while working alongside my peers to address challenges, advocate for improvements and celebrate the contributions of staff across campus.

I’m excited about the chance to listen, learn, and make a difference for our campus community.

I am the Senior Director of Career Services for the Sam M. Walton College of Business, where I focus on connecting students with employment opportunities and supporting their professional development for life after college. I joined the University of Arkansas in 2019 after a decade in corporate payroll and accounting, where I honed my skills in leadership, innovation and collaboration. During my time here, I have been actively involved in initiatives that support staff and students, including the Walton College Staff Council and Women of Walton. I love being a part of the campus community and am proud to call the University of Arkansas home!

I’m excited about the opportunity to serve on Staff Senate because I care about making the University of Arkansas a place where all staff feel valued, supported and heard. Staff play a vital role in keeping the university running, and I want to help ensure that our contributions are recognized and our voices matter. Serving on Staff Senate would give me the opportunity to advocate for policies that support staff needs, champion initiatives that improve our work experience and build a stronger sense of community. I’m passionate about making a difference, and this is a way for me to give back, support my colleagues and help create a workplace where everyone feels respected and appreciated.

I am originally from Noxapater, Mississippi. I have been at the University of Arkansas since 2019, and I have been working as an Admissions Counselor for Transfer Central in the Office of Admissions since May 2023. I also served as a Lecturer for University Perspectives last semester. My wonderful wife, Katie, and I will have been married for six years this coming May, and we have two beautiful Australian Shepherds, Flynn and Rapunzel, who will both be turning seven this year. During my free time, you can either find me on the many hiking trails of Northwest Arkansas or reading/watching media about history. 

I am excited about the possibility of collaborating with staff from other departments around campus to further the Staff Senate's mission of advocating for campus staff. I love working at the University of Arkansas, and I would be honored for the opportunity to represent my colleagues on the Staff Senate. 

Hi! I’m Gayle, and I work as an Academic Coach in First Year Engineering Student Services. My background is in care coordination and the mental health community, and I’m passionate about supporting students and being a friendly face on campus. I love connecting with people, sharing resources, and helping make our university a welcoming place for all. Outside of work, you’ll find me enjoying my favorite cozy hobbies (think blankets, books, and all things warm and comforting). I’d be thrilled to bring my passion and perspective to the Staff Senate!

Definitely the chance to connect with the university as a whole! I love the idea of collaborating with folks from all across campus, sharing ideas and finding new ways to make our community even better. It’s exciting to think about being a voice for staff, bringing fresh perspectives to the table and contributing to initiatives that help support and uplift our entire university family. I enjoy building connections with students, staff and faculty, and this feels like a perfect fit!

My name is Jake Tyson. I am the Assistant Director of Technology for Fulbright College. I started working with the Fulbright IT team, as a Computer Operator, in 2016 while pursuing an MS degree in Operations Management from the College of Engineering. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the university both as a student and staff member. My favorite part about working at the University of Arkansas is being on campus interacting with the faculty, staff, and students.

It has been a wonderful privilege building so many relationships with people from all walks of life, in different fields of study, and with different areas of expertise. I look forward to the opportunity to continue growing those relationships and creating new ones while serving as a Staff Senator. I am hopeful that in getting to know you, I can ensure all staff have a voice at the University of Arkansas.

I have worked at the UA for coming up on 13 years in April. I started in the Registrar's Office as a Registrar's Assistant for a year and then promoted to Admin. Support Supervisor for four years. I then moved into academic advising with the College of Education and Health Profession for seven years — four as an advisor and three as an Assistant Director of Advising. In May 2024 I moved to the College of Engineering as the Assistant Director of Advising. I have enjoyed all the roles I've held and have learned so much along the way.

I would be happy to serve as an advocate for the staff on campus and help voice our opinions and thoughts to leadership. I like to take every opportunity to celebrate the people around me and this seems like a great opportunity to do just that!

My name is Hasnaini Wood, and I am honored to be nominated for the Staff Senate. I began my journey at the University of Arkansas in 2020 as an Administrative Support in the Information Systems Department and now serve as the Fiscal Support Manager in the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering. In both roles, I provide financial and administrative support to faculty and students, helping them focus on their research and academic journey.
Beyond the office, I am deeply committed to serving my community. I actively volunteer with 4-H, mentoring and empowering youth to develop leadership skills and embrace challenges — something I am truly passionate about.

Serving on the Staff Senate is an opportunity to advocate for my colleagues, ensuring every staff member feels heard, valued, and supported in their professional growth. As an immigrant, I understand the importance of having a trusted advocate. I am eager to contribute and collaborate with fellow senators to bring new ideas, address concerns, and ensure that our ONE UNIVERSITY is not just a slogan but a reality we proudly uphold. Thank you for your trust; it would be a privilege to serve you!