Western Carolina University’s Staff Senate is an elected body that represents the university’s permanent, non-faculty employees. The Staff Senate serves in an advisory capacity to the Chancellor and other university decision-making bodies and meets monthly to discuss staff members’ ideas and concerns. We hope you will enjoy getting to know your 2020-2021 WCU Staff Senators!
What do you do at WCU: Business Officer, College of Education and Allied Professions
How long have you been at WCU? 8 years
Education: Master of Public Affairs, May 2018, and Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, December 2000, Western Carolina University
Where are you from? Hillsborough, NC
How long have you been a senator: My three year term on Senate has been from July 2018 until now.
Which committee(s) are you on? Scholarship and Professional Development
Do you hold a position on the senate? If so, which position? I have served as Treasurer on Executive Committee and co-chair for the Scholarship and Professional Development Committee for the 2019-2020 and the 2020-2021 academic years.
What is your academic background or special training you’d like to share? WCU is not only where I work but I have also earned two degrees here. In 2000 I graduated with a B.S. in Interior Design. I discovered drafting in high school and found that it was the first thing at school that I was truly good at and enjoyed, I picked up the techniques very quickly and also found that I enjoyed helping others improve their skill. I was so excited to find a major at WCU where I could continue my drafting and learn with others who enjoyed it as much as I did. While working at WCU I decided to pursue a masters degree, I had never considered graduate school given the time commitment and cost, but with the tuition waivers and being surround by encouragement for professional development I gave it a try. It took me five years to complete the program, while balancing all the things in my life, but I did it! The experience, while challenging at times commuting to classes at Biltmore Park, late nights of research and writing papers, it was totally worth it.
What is your favorite thing about working at WCU? It became quickly apparent to me that higher education offers more than just a place to work; it is a world of service, growth, and leadership to all who are able and willing to engage. Since I started working at WCU in 2012 I have been able to participate in multiple years of the Summer Institute for Administrative Support Professionals, WCU Works, the NCBI experience, as well as the Safe Zone and Green Zone trainings, just to name a few. These are all formal types of opportunities but I think my favorites are those times that develop organically with my coworkers as we work on projects and we are all able to help and encourage one another. Staff Senate has been my primary outlet for service over the past couple of years; fundraising for the Staff Senate Scholarship, participating in work on several sub-committees, engaging in community service together, and working towards connecting WCU with professional development opportunities. I am looking forward to continuing my service supporting the WCU community for many years to come in even more areas with staff, faculty, and students, as well as participating in professional development opportunities for years to come.
Recent Comments