Candidates for Staff Senate 2024-2025

Marissa Marshall, Risk & Compliance Business Coordinator, Office of Audit, Risk & Compliance

Being with the University for over five years, Marissa is currently the Risk & Compliance Business Coordinator for Audit, Risk & Compliance and serves as the Equity Advisor for the Office of Finance. Outside of office specific duties, she has participated in numerous councils and committees during this time with a passion for working to create an inclusive environment. She has served as a Staff Senator for three years and previously chaired the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. As a first-generation student, Marissa obtained her Business Administration degree from the University of Kansas and is in the process of applying to graduate school.

Danielle Hemingson, Human Anatomy Laboratory Coordinator, Undergraduate Biology Program

Contributing to the success, development, and recognition of KU staff members is important to me. My parents were both staff members at a small college in Iowa for 30 years, so I grew up hearing the perspectives of the ‘science center maintenance man’ and the ‘interlibrary loan lady’. I joined KU as the Human Anatomy Laboratory Coordinator in August of 2021 and have been hoping for an opportunity to serve the KU staff in a way that is truly impactful.

I have been involved in many committees over my 10-year academic career, both as a faculty member at my previous institution and as a staff member here at KU which may allow me to offer a diverse perspective in Staff Senate. I am task oriented and like to accomplish objectives. I will work hard for the KU community and would love the opportunity to support the KU staff.

Ashley Kalatusha, Student Services Specialist, KU Edwards Student Services

Hello, my name is Ashley Kalatusha. I have been with the University of Kansas for a little over two years in my position as the Student Services Specialist at the Edwards Campus. My journey at KU started as a student staff member at the Welcome and Success Center in 2020, where I worked until the summer of 2021. Working as student staff fostered a passion in me for students and University.

I am applying to Staff Senate because I want to help make a difference for KU staff and be a voice for staff support. I have become very passionate about finding ways to take care of ourselves as well as our students. To successfully care for our students, we need to be able to care for ourselves. However, that is not something we always think about or do when our jobs and life get busy. I look forward to working with Staff Senate and the larger university staff population.

Karen Lane Christilles, Administrative Associate, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering

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Alex Pang, Program Coordinator for Undergraduate Academic Services, School of Engineering

Hello! I’m Alex Pang, and I work with undergraduate academic services in the School of Engineering. In this role, I do a myriad of duties that support engineering student success by building collaborative partnerships with engineering departments and leadership, campus partners, and university stakeholders. My dedication to KU manifested itself when I was awarded the Agnes Wright Strickland University Award.

As a KU alum, the intersection of my institutional knowledge about KU and commitment to advancing positive change for staff led to my interest in running for Staff Senate. I believe an institution’s greatest asset is its people, who embody its traditions and legacy. I believe in the values of empowering others, lifting each other’s voices, and collaboration. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a Staff Senate Member to overcome barriers that staff face and make meaningful, inclusive change.

Gabe Downey, Grant Coordinator, Achievement and Assessment Institute (ATLAS)

I have worked at KU for about 9 years within KU Athletics, a research lab, and am currently in grant management as a Pre-Award Grants Coordinator with AAI. I have previously served on the Staff Advisory Board for KU Athletics, as well as several boards for non-profit groups and organizations outside of KU. Additionally, I am currently a PhD student in Sports Management at KU. Professionally and personally, I am committed to advancing environmental sustainability on and off-campus. I appreciate the advancements proposed in KU's recent campus master plan and hope to help propel those items forward and similar items of importance to KU staff members.

Ian Adkins, Program Coordinator, School of Business

Hello everyone! I’m thrilled at the opportunity to serve in the Staff Senate! As International Programs Coordinator in the KU School of Business, I work tirelessly to ensure our students have a positive and fulfilling experience throughout their collegiate careers. I plan to bring that same passion and energy to the Staff Senate. Every member of our university staff is integral to providing a favorable college experience for our students. I will advocate for all of our needs to ensure that we have the resources required to perform our jobs effectively and efficiently. Furthermore, I am committed to working as a team to tackle any challenges that may arise, whether they are financial, logistical, or legislative. Problem-solving and teamwork are passions of mine, and I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with my colleagues across campus to build a stronger community.

Jeffrey Benike, Assistant Director of Training, Learning & Assessment, Housing Office Administration

I’m excited for the opportunity to serve you all as a member of Staff Senate here at KU! I have worked at KU for the past 2 years and have fallen in love with the hard-working and passionate folks who work and call KU their home. I am currently an Assistant Director for Training, Learning, and Assessment with Housing and Residence Life where I focus on creating holistic development for students and staff that help increase emotional intelligence, well-being, and meaningful connection. I’m passionate about sustainable, healthy working environments that generate personal growth, staff retention, and overall health of both the individual and the organization they are a part of. As a member of Staff Senate, I hope to represent you and your voice to help create an even stronger KU Community for years to come. Rock Chalk!

Kim Conard, Grant Coordinator, KUCR - AMS

I am a Grant Coordinator at the KUCR – AMS (Administrative Management Services) team. I have worked in this position for 6 years now and been at KU for approx. 9 ½ years. My position assists the School of Social Welfare with their project budget needs. I have enjoyed working here at KU. I have wonderful and supportive co-workers and managers. During my 1st 3 year term (2021-2024) as a KU Staff Senate senator, I was the Treasurer for Staff Senate for 2 years and Chair of the Staff Senate D&I committee for a year. I have also been a part of other various committees and volunteer work here at KU and throughout my past. Currently, I have served in a volunteer position on the Staff Senate DEI committee for about 7 years now. I have assisted with developing and facilitating the Unpacking Whiteness in the Workplace workshops as part of my time serving on the DEI committee. I wish to further my support for the university by continuing to serve on the Staff Senate. I hope you will let me show how much I appreciate the support I have received here by getting the opportunity to give back.

Mishelle Denton, Functional Systems Manager, Enrollment Management/Student Information Systems

My time at KU started 15 years ago in a research lab after graduating from KU with a Cell Biology degree. After earning my MBA, I transitioned to the Technology Transfer department and eventually the Office of Research. I have been in the SIS office for over 7 years now managing security on the Enroll & Pay/ Campus Solutions system. I have worked with a wide variety of staff, faculty, students, delegates, and affiliates throughout my career at the University. I served on the Staff Senate in the Executive Committee 2015-16 and would like to serve again as we work toward current university goals.

Brian Alfers, Assistant Custodial Supervisor, Custodial Services

I graduated from KU in 2006, working at both International Support Services and the Registrar’s Office during my time as an undergraduate. I have been in Operations as a member of the custodial leadership team for the last 10 years. In that time, I’ve been Custodial Safety Committee chair and a 2015-2016 Staff Fellow.

I view Staff Senate as an opportunity to do more for the University beyond the regular scope of my duties, to better understand different perspectives within the University and to be able to take a more proactive role in working to improve things for the staff members. I recognize that many of the people working the hardest to keep our campus running have the quietest voices due to the nature of their jobs- my goal in Staff Senate would be to help those voices be heard.

Eugene V Normandin Jr., HVAC Technician Senior, FS Maintenance Services

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Michael Geffre, Senior Electrician, FS Maintenance Services

I am relatively new to KU, starting in March of 2022 as a Senior Electrician. I believe I can make a positive impact on the Staff Senate with my past experience working as a sub-contractor for the Department of Energy in Washington State. I was actively involved with the Employee Leadership program, working with management, in resolving safety issues and employee training. I am passionate about effective communication, creating meaningful connections, and fostering a positive workplace culture. I know serving on Staff Senate will allow me to become more involved with campus and be a voice for facility operations in decisions being made.

Caroline Sloan, Science Test Development Specialist, Achievement and Assessment Institute (ATLAS)

I started working for KU in 2023 as a science test development specialist at ATLAS. I have worked in higher education for the last ten years and am interested in helping staff members with professional development, personnel matters, and research opportunities. I have held various leadership roles for other organizations, including the American Chemical Society, the largest professional organization in the U.S. As a person with an invisible disability, I am passionate about protecting staff members and helping people become their best selves. Although I have not been at KU long, I would be honored to serve on the Staff Senate. Thanks for voting for me!

Gary Christopher Handy, Director, Engineering Career Center

Fall 2024 will mark my seventeenth year working as salaried staff in a higher education institution. My career has taken me to several different types of higher education institutions from public to private and from small liberal arts to large research one institutions and everywhere in between. I have seen excellent and not so excellent examples of ways universities recruit and retain the best talent to serve a student university population. In all my travels the results have been the same. Employees that feel valued by their employer for the work that they do, feel safe doing the work, and are given room to grow in their profession stay in at their institution longer and contribute more impactfully to their work environment and the students they serve. As a long-time student advocate, I would also like to provide advocacy for my fellow staff at this institution.

Jordan Wade, Director of Student Academic Services & Success, School of Architecture & Design

I serve as the Director of Student Academic Services & Success in the School of Architecture & Design. I came to the school after working in the Registrar's office at KU for 6 years. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science and my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, both from the University of Kansas. Previously, I worked as a case manager in child and family services at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center but have been with KU since 2016. My passion for supporting others, especially those who need it most, is why I am running for Staff Senate again. I have been lucky enough to work with dedicated & passionate staff who move mountains on this campus and find it to be an honor to work to make their lives on campus more fulfilling.

Ana Motta, Assistant Researcher, Biodiversity Institute

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Mike Krings, Public Affairs Officer, KU News Service

In my 18 years with KU, I’ve had the honor of sharing the good work done by people across the university. In my role as a Public Affairs Officer in KU News Service, I get to share news about research, discoveries, achievements and expertise of faculty and staff both with media and a campus audience. I’ve also been fortunate to represent the work of KU’s excellent staff who do so much to support the university’s mission via prior service on Senate, as president in 2013-14 and prior to that as a senator and member of the public relations committee. Telling the stories of the talented, hard-working staff is essential to ensuring all employees are heard and represented. Thank you for considering me to do so as a member of KU’s Staff Senate.