Senator Nominee and President-Elect Bios

Caty Movich, Administrative Associate Sr., Institute for Policy & Social Research

Hello KU staff! I’ve been involved in shared governance at the university since I started as an administrative associate in 2022. I’ve chaired committees, participated in advisory groups, and supported Staff Senate in my previous role in the Office of University Governance. I’ve learned what it means to be an engaged employee at a university, and I am running for President-Elect so I can use that knowledge to strengthen the KU Staff Senate for the future.

If elected, I would use my position to elevate the voices of staff in spaces we don’t normally have access to. I would be candid and firm with senior administration in getting answers to our questions and communicating our concerns. I also want to invest in the infrastructure of Staff Senate so that we can maximize our time spent on issues concerning all staff.

I want to give back to the group that has taught me curiosity and persistence. Thank you for your consideration.

Julie Myer, Graduate Recruiter, School of Professional Studies

I am running for Staff Senate because my “boundary-spanning” personality benefits my colleagues as much as it fills my own cup. As a graduate recruiter at Edwards Campus, I see Staff Senate as an avenue to learn from and serve staff across all KU campuses. My personal values and background help me notice people who might feel unseen and guide conversation toward action.

I talk to everyone everywhere because I never know when conversations will surprise me with a key connection or piece of information, a new perspective, friendship, or just a bright spot in my day. I have served in volunteer leadership roles inside and outside my workplace and appreciate the opportunities I’ve had through these experiences. I’m currently serving on KU’s International Affairs Committee and Staff Senate Professional Development Committee, and hopefully by the time you read this, I will be an official volunteer for the World Cup! 

Kelly Bellmyer, Administrative Associate Senior, Aerospace Engineering

My name is Kelly Bellmyer. I’m an Administrative Associate Sr. who is passionate about supporting the KU community and strengthening connections across campus. In my role, I work closely with faculty, staff, and students. I truly value the teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving that make KU a welcoming and effective workplace.

I am seeking a position on the KU Staff Senate because I want to help elevate staff voices and contribute to conversations that shape our work environment. I believe that staff perspectives are essential to building transparent processes, improving collaboration, and ensuring employees feel valued and supported.

I would bring dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to service, and I am excited about the opportunity to positively impact the KU staff experience.

Wyatt Haywood, Office Manager, Spencer Museum of Art 

I’ve worked at KU for 4.5 years – most of that time as the administrative associate for Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies (as well as French/Italian and East Asian), but have moved to the Spencer Museum of Art as of June 2025. This will be my second term as a Staff Senator, and I am currently serving as part of University Senate. I spent a three-year term on the University Senate International Affairs Committee, which I chaired for the latter two years. I also was a Staff Fellow last year working on the implementation and understanding of the IRISE values on campus. 

In my current position at the SMA, I support my colleagues across the unit and am one of the primary liaisons to the wider KU. My role on staff senate carries that same mission for the betterment of all staff across KU. 

Reggie Mitchell, Accounting Specialist, Controller's Office

My name is Reginald (Reggie) Mitchell, and this April I will celebrate eight years as a staff member at the University of Kansas. In my current role, I review most incoming revenue for university departments and student units, and I oversee KU’s E‑Commerce platform and merchant service partners. I work closely with faculty, staff, and students every day, and I truly value the teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving that make KU a welcoming and effective workplace.

I’m interested in joining the KU Staff Senate because I want to lift staff voices and be part of the conversations that shape our everyday work experience. I really believe that when staff perspectives are included, we get clearer processes, better collaboration, and a workplace where people genuinely feel valued.

I’m someone who brings dedication, professionalism, and a real commitment to service, and I’d love the chance to contribute in a way that positively impacts the KU staff community.

Caty Movich, Administrative Associate Sr., Institute for Policy & Social Research 

Hello KU staff! I’ve been involved in shared governance at the university since I started as an administrative associate in 2022. I’ve chaired committees, participated in advisory groups, and supported Staff Senate in my previous role in the Office of University Governance. I’ve learned what it means to be an engaged employee at a university, and I am running for Staff Senate so I can continue to advocate for the staff perspective.

Ian Adkins, Program Coordinator, School of Business

I am honored to seek your support for re-election to the KU Staff Senate. KU staff are the backbone of this university, and you deserve a strong, informed advocate in shared governance.

As Chair-Elect of the Staff Senate Personnel Affairs Committee, I am proud to have worked alongside a dedicated team to expand staff recognition programming and increase access to professional development opportunities. My service as a member of University Senate and the Docking Survey Committee has further allowed me to advocate for our staff and ensure university leadership remains aware of the challenges we face.

As KU navigates one of its most consequential periods in recent memory, staff must have a meaningful seat at the table. I am ready to keep fighting for you, for fair treatment, and for a university that values the people who make it run.

Cady Bush, Assistant Director, Chemistry

I have worked at KU since 2005 in various research grant administration roles, currently serving as the assistant director of the NIH‑funded COBRE Center for Molecular Analysis of Disease Pathways in the Chemistry Department. I was previously on Staff Senate from 2020–2023 and was active on the Personnel Affairs and Professional Development committees, focusing on issues around employee benefits, recognition, and professional growth. I recently completed my master’s degree in organizational communication and am excited about the ways it can support effective Staff Senate work. I’d love the opportunity to bring that perspective back to Staff Senate and continue contributing. Thank you for considering re‑electing me!

Richelle Chaney, Assistant Director, Enrollment Management Services

Richelle Chaney has been with KU’s Enrollment Management since 2018. While at KU, Richelle has had the privilege of working on the Employee of the Month Recognition Committee and the Staff Senate Personnel Affairs Committee. Additionally, Richelle has recently graduated from KU with a master’s in business administration. It is imperative that KU is a place people are excited about. Richelle is committed to balancing student and staff success. To do that, voices need to be heard. Richelle would like the opportunity to advocate on behalf of staff for workplace improvements, recognition, and additional opportunities.

Allison Johnson, Finance Manager, Finance Shared Service Center

I am a Finance Manager with the Finance Shared Service Center and have been with the SSC organization for over 11 years, but part of the greater KU community even longer as a proud alum. I have served as a Staff Senator in an interim role since October and would be honored to continue to serve my fellow staff by providing advocacy and support in this position. 

In my role as a Finance Manager, I strive to be a leader who listens, supports, and encourages in a way that is engaged, fair, and trustworthy. I want to bring this same mission to the staff senate and in advocating for all staff. I believe in highlighting staff perspectives and making sure their needs and experiences are reflected in conversations that shape our workplace.

Saandhyarag (Sandy) Sasidhar, Marketing & CRM Systems Manager, Enrollment Marketing & Communications

I am excited to run for the Staff Senator position, because I believe in the power of collective advocacy to strengthen our communities. Staff Senate plays an essential role in representing the voices of staff, supporting professional growth, and advancing initiatives that improve the overall employee experience across the university.

At my previous institution, I had the privilege of serving in Staff Senate, where I contributed to several committees, including parking and scholarships. The experiences deepened my understanding of how thoughtful policy discussions and collaborative problem solving can make meaningful impact. I approach leadership with a strong commitment to equity and fairness, always striving to consider the broader impact of decisions and to support outcomes that serve the greater good. I value listening carefully, weighing diverse perspectives, and advocating in ways that are balanced and inclusive.

As a relatively new member of the university community and a remote employee within Enrollment Management – Marketing Communications, I bring both fresh perspective and cross-functional insights. My role allows me to engage with colleagues across departments, and my remote experience gives me a unique lens into how policies, communication, and workplace initiatives affect staff in different contexts.

I would be honored to serve and contribute thoughtfully, collaboratively, and equitably to the ongoing work of Staff Senate.

Missy Somers, Functional Systems Analyst Sr., Finance Administration  

As a proud first‑generation college graduate of KU, I’ve built my career around strengthening the university that shaped me. This past year, I was honored to become the first staff member to chair University Governance’s Planning and Resources Committee, an experience that deepened my commitment to transparent, collaborative decision‑making. My service on the Staff Senate Professional Development and Technology Committees has allowed me to advocate for growth opportunities and practical solutions that support colleagues across campus. Professionally, I’ve contributed to KU through roles ranging from Lead Teacher at the Edna A. Hill Child Development Center to Scholarship Processing Coordinator in Financial Aid and Scholarships, and now as a Functional Systems Analyst SR within Finance Administration. I hope to bring this broad perspective and long-standing dedication to the role of Staff Senator, ensuring all staff voices are heard and valued. 

Michael Turenne, Assistant Director, KS Law Enforcement Training Center 

I am seeking the opportunity to serve on Staff Senate to support a more connected and collaborative KU community. I am committed to helping staff across all campuses, including satellite locations such as KLETC in Yoder, feel represented, heard, and supported in university decision making. My service on the Staff Senate Personnel Affairs Committee has reinforced the value of open communication and being part of shared governance in improving the staff experience. I also bring leadership experience from the Wichita State University Support Staff Senate, where I served as Vice President and President and worked closely with multiple institutional committees. I hope to contribute an approach focused on collaboration, communication, and a strong commitment to strengthening relationships across campuses throughout the KU community.

Isabelle Busenitz, Facilities Manager, Geology

I have served in a public service capacity for most of my career as a scientist, administrator, and project manager.  In my current role at the University of Kansas, I serve multiple departments by ensuring our facilities and vehicles are ready to support research, teaching, and outreach.  I am interested in representing other staff members as a part of Staff Senate.  I look forward to learning more about opportunities for supporting staff in the areas of recognition, career development, and involvement in strategic planning. 

Lawrence Chapman, General Maintenance Worker, FS Maintenance Services 

As a dedicated member of the Lawrence community and a proud supporter of the University of Kansas, I am eager to serve as a Staff Senator. My background as a "jack of all trades"—spanning hands-on labor, customer service, and leadership roles—allows me to relate to the diverse challenges faced by staff across campus.

​I am a proactive problem-solver, having submitted an idea to Jayhawks Elevate projected to save the university $24,000 annually. 

Beyond my technical contributions, I am deeply rooted in the local arts, with experience in published poetry, stage performance, and community art initiatives. 

This creative lens, combined with my experience presenting on goal setting, equips me to advocate effectively for my colleagues. I have participated in the Staff and University Senates in the past but opted for a hiatus when transitioning departments within the University.

​If elected, I will use my voice to ensure staff needs are met with transparency and innovation, fostering a campus culture where every contribution is valued and recognized at the highest levels of governance.

Myrna Liska, Custodian, Custodial Services

I was born in Lawrence and have spent more than half my life here. My grandparents both retired from KU. Some of my favorite memories are of my grandpa bringing me to the natural history museum as a kid. I have multiple other family members that have worked here for decades. That's all a long way of expressing how KU has been a big part of my entire life. I have worked as a residential custodian for almost 2 years and in that time KU has come to mean even more to me. I currently serve on the safety committee because looking out for my coworkers is paramount for me. I am looking forward to serving in the senate to learn more about the university, what I can do to help us run smoothly and equitably, and how to maintain and improve the culture I have found here. 

Angela Robb, Research Project Specialist, ATLAS

I’ve been at KU since 2017 and am currently a Research Project Specialist at ATLAS. I have worked in higher education for the last 25 years. I believe staff can make a difference in advocating for all employees when it comes to recognition, professional development, personnel concerns, and anything to help staff feel positive about being at KU. In the past nine years I have been a member of numerous committees: Public Relations, Legislative Affairs, Professional Development, and Personnel Affairs. I have also served on the University Senate Library Appeals Board as well as the University Senate Libraries Committee. I participate in Give a Flock and have served on multiple college committees including College Communicators, Jayhawks Rising Health and Wellness Awareness, and College Staff Council. Knowledge is power and being a Staff Senator allows us to take that knowledge to make things happen to benefit all staff. Rock Chalk!

Aoesta Khalid Rudick, Research Project and Lab Manager, Kansas Geological Services 

Aoesta K. Rudick, PhD, is a Research Project Manager and Lab Manager in the Baer Ecology Lab at the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research and manages the Soil Analyses Service Center at the University of Kansas. Her work focuses on supporting faculty and students by coordinating laboratory operations, maintaining analytical instrumentation, and providing soil and nutrient analyses that enable high-quality ecological and environmental research.

Aoesta completed her postdoctoral training in Environmental Science at the University of California, Riverside. She earned her Ph.D. in Geography with an emphasis in Soil Geography from the University of Kansas and holds a Master’s degree in Geography and Geomorphology from the University of Sulaimani in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

She hopes to represent research-support staff—including lab managers, research assistants, and technical teams—and advocate for research infrastructure, professional development opportunities, and recognition of the staff who help make KU’s research mission possible.

Erick Morales Scholz, Laboratory Coordinator & Lecturer, Visual Arts 

Erick Morales Scholz is originally from Costa Rica, where he earned his BFA in Sculpture from the University of Costa Rica. He came to KU in 2014 to pursue an MFA in Visual Arts and graduated in 2017. He found a home in the Lawrence community and within the Visual Arts Department, where he began working as a lecturer in the Metalsmithing area, as well as in the Drawing Department at K-State.

In 2019, he was hired as a Lab Coordinator/Lecturer for the Metalsmithing, Textile, and Printmaking areas, where he currently works. In this role, Erick has learned the value of maintaining a strong and healthy network among students, faculty, and staff in order to be effective as a coordinator.

As a Staff Senator, he sees an opportunity to expand and cultivate deeper relationships within the university community to better serve their shared goals.