Candidates for Staff Senate and President Elect 2025-2026

Ian Adkins, International Programs Coordinator, School of Business

My KU journey began as a child watching my mom pursue her PhD in Wescoe Hall. After working at several universities, including a ten-year stint abroad, I've finally come home to serve as the International Programs Coordinator at the KU School of Business, where I have advocated for our students daily since 2023. 
The University of Kansas matters deeply to me. In these uncertain times, university staff need strong advocates for the essential missions we undertake. I will ensure that staff interests remain at the forefront of conversations around university operations and will be your voice in every campus interaction. Service is one of my core values, and as Staff Senate President, I will serve as a fierce advocate for our staff and students. I'm committed to developing a campus culture where staff voices are amplified, contributions are celebrated, and innovative ideas flourish at every level of our Jayhawk community.

Jessica Chilcoat, Associate Director, Finance Shared Service Center

I have been a staff member at KU since 2010. In my current position as Associate Director for the Finance SSC, I am focused on service delivery, campus outreach, and staff development and training. I have served as a Senator for the past 6 years and as Staff Senate President during the 22-23 session. I have also served as Treasurer, Public Relations Committee Chair and on the University Senate and University Senate Executive Committee for several years during my tenure. While Staff Senate President, I engaged in work stemming from the Resolution to Restore Shared Governance and in helping to develop action plans to address staff concerns brought to light by the 2022 Docking Employee Satisfaction Survey. If elected as Staff Senate President-Elect I will work to strength institutional shared governance ensuring staff concerns are heard and that staff play a more significant role in decision-making at KU. I take very seriously the role of advocate and representative and believe that KU should be a place where all staff feel welcome, recognized, and have the chance to grow. 

Jennifer Laverentz, Administrative Manager, Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems

Starting as an Office Assistant my 23 years of service has allowed me to gain a broad understanding of KU. Since 2010, I have worked at CReSIS as the Administrative Manager. In this position, I coordinate grant submissions, manage budgets, oversee grant awards, and project manage large grants and deployments. I’ve also learned that staff experiences are dependent not just on their department and colleagues but who they are and their life outside of work.

I currently serve as the Staff Senate Secretary, which has provided me the opportunity to learn how Staff Senate works. We are in an era of change for KU, and I believe it is important that Staff Senate increase our outreach to staff members and communicate what we can do to advocate for staff at every level. This could take the form of more frequent Senate updates, town halls, drop-in hours, or direct meetings with staff in various departments/schools to allow all staff at KU to have the opportunity to have their concerns voiced and play an active role in the shaping of the future of KU. As President, I will advocate for staff across KU to make sure that our voices are heard.

Kennedy Chrisco, Microbiology Lab Coordinator, Undergraduate Biology 

I am a KU alumnus and have been working as a Microbiology Laboratory Coordinator for Undergraduate Biology for almost two years. As a staff member, I am involved in the Biology Event Planning Committee, a member of the Belonging and Success Committee, and a Co-Instructor for our Biology Orientation course. My commitment to representing students and staff at the university goes beyond Undergraduate Biology, as I am also pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration to strengthen my knowledge of our Institution.

I am running for Staff Senate because I believe all students, staff, and faculty should have a voice. I will aim to incorporate my experience as an alumnus, staff member, and current graduate student to offer insight into the staff perspective. I pride myself in my attention to detail as well as my determination to be an active problem-solver. I will strive to represent our community by using my KU experience to the best of my ability.

Mataia Gales, Assistant Director for Student Senate Leadership Development, Student Affairs 

Mataia Gales is the Assistant Director for Student Senate Leadership Development within the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a marketing communications concentration and an accounting minor from Emporia State University in 2017. Previously, Gales was the Administrative Assistant for the Vice Provost for Student Affairs office for 5 years. Prior to coming to KU in 2019, she worked for the Job Corps Outreach and Admissions in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She returned to Kansas to be closer to family and friends before joining KU Student Affairs.

With five years of experience in Student Affairs, I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Staff Senate as I am eager to become more involved on campus and contribute to the university community in a meaningful way. And with two years working directly with Student Senate, I am particularly interested in learning more about the structure and functions of both the University and the Staff Senate, while advocating for the needs and interests of staff members across campus.

Michelle Wilson, Assistant Director of Academic and Professional Development, TRIO SES & STEM 

Michelle D. Wilson is the Assistant Director of Academic and Professional Development for KU TRIO SES & STEM, a doctoral candidate in Communication Studies, and an instructor for UNIV-101 and Leadership & Communication at KU. She holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from KU and a Master of Public Administration from Washburn University. 

With expertise in organizational communication, leadership, and workplace culture, Michelle's research focuses on power dynamics, workplace bullying, and hostile work environments in higher education. She integrates principles of fairness, representation, and workplace belonging into her research, training, and coaching. 

Michelle has been a KU Staff Senator since 2017, serving as Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chair, Chair, Personnel Affairs Chair-Elect, and now Personnel Affairs Chair. Passionate about advocating for KU staff, she is running for re-election to continue this work. She also serves as KU Black Alumni President, KU FIRST Staff Advisor, and Heartland College Reading & Learning Association Chapter President. 

Xoe Cranberry, Office Manager, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (Environmental Studies/Geography & Atmospheric Science)

As a dedicated staff member at KU, I am passionate about fostering a workplace that values all employees and ensures every voice is heard. I currently serve on the Staff Senate Diversity and Inclusion Committee, the Sexuality and Gender Diversity Faculty Staff Council, and the Employee Recognition Committee, where I help celebrate and support the contributions of our colleagues.

I believe that staff play a crucial role in shaping the university community, and I am committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equity, respect, and professional growth. Through Staff Senate, I hope to continue working toward an environment where all employees feel valued and have access to opportunities for success.

I would be honored to represent my colleagues and contribute to meaningful discussions that support staff well-being and recognition at KU.

Caty Movich, Administrative Associate Senior, Institute for Policy & Social Research 

Hello! I graduated from a KU master’s program in 2022 and have worked as a staff member for 2.5 years. My first position was in University Governance, which was a crash course on all things Staff Senate. I learned a lot during my time supporting senators, both about the challenges facing shared governance and its potential for success. As part of the Staff Satisfaction Survey advisory team, I listened to staff feedback and crafted recommendations that could reach staff in every unit at KU. I also advocated for communication and transparency while serving as a governance representative on the HR Transformation Implementation Planning team.

I now work in a research center, but my involvement in Staff Senate has continued. I serve as co-lead of the D&I Committee Communication Team and am a member of the Public Relations Committee. Serving as a senator has been a dream ever since stepping into the world of shared governance, and I am grateful for the opportunity to formally represent my fellow staff.

Melinda Robinson, Administrative Associate Senior, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (Office of the Executive Dean) 

I joined the College Dean's Office in November of 2022 as an Administrative Associate. My primary role is assisting Senior Associate Dean Ben Eggleston, Associate Dean Nick Syrett and Assistant Director of Faculty Hiring & Promotions Jill Mignacca, as well as serving as the receptionist for my suite. In July of 2023 I was promoted to my current position as Administrative Associate Senior.

In addition to my administrative and hospitality duties; I facilitate the College's GRF and REI processes. I also help our admin team with College wide events such as the Collaborative Research Luncheon series and the Future of Education in the Humanities Symposium.

While I do interact with many faculty, staff, and students throughout the College's 40+ departments; I would like to expand my network to include more of my fellow staff members in the other amazing professional schools throughout KU. I would love the opportunity to collaborate with partners across campus and the broader KU community on the Staff Senate.

Willisha Thompson, Accounting Specialist, Finance Shared Service Center

Hello!  I have been an Accounting Specialist with SSC Finance for a little over two years.  I am also a Peer Trainer for SSC Finance and a Jayhawk Peer.  During my time at KU, I have been a part of many focus groups and volunteer projects.  Recently, I completed the Emerging Leaders Academy and STEP 3.0.

I graduated from KU in 2006 and have worked in higher education since 2010.  I have had the opportunity to participate in several focus groups and committees at other institutions.  My passion since coming to KU has been to continue to be involved in ways that will allow me to help and make a difference.  Being a part of Staff Senate will allow me to network, contribute and be a voice.

Jessica Brown, KU Residential Custodial Assistant Director, Custodial Services 

I have been at KU for 18 years. I have served on the KU Staff Senate since 2019 and have held the roles of Elections chair/elect and am currently the Treasurer of the Staff Senate. It would be my honor to continue representing Operations in the KU Staff Senate if elected. 

Jessica Chilcoat, Associate Director, Finance Shared Service Center 

I have been a staff member at KU since 2010. In my current position as Associate Director for the Finance SSC, I am focused on service delivery, campus outreach, and staff development and training. I have served as a Senator for the past 6 years and as Staff Senate President during the 22-23 session. I have also served as Treasurer, Public Relations Committee Chair and on the University Senate and University Senate Executive Committee for several years during my tenure. While Staff Senate President, I engaged in work stemming from the Resolution to Restore Shared Governance and in helping to develop action plans to address staff concerns brought to light by the 2022 Docking Employee Satisfaction Survey. If elected as a Staff Senator, I will work to strength institutional shared governance ensuring staff concerns are heard and that staff play a more significant role in decision-making at KU. I take very seriously the role of advocate and representative and believe that KU should be a place where all staff feel welcome, recognized, and have the chance to grow. 

Abby Coffin, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Success, Academic Affairs

Abby Coffin serves as the Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Success, reporting through Academic Affairs.  Abby has worked at KU since 2005 in various student support focused roles.  Abby previously served on Staff Senate from 2007-2011 and enjoyed her time advocating for staff and staff roles in the University governance process.  She is interested in returning to Staff Senate service to resume this advocacy and with broader understanding of organizational governance and University administration, especially during a time of shifting politics and priorities.

Trina Weekly, Business Director, Achievement and Assessment Institute 

Greetings Fellow Staff! My name is Latrina Weekly. I am the Business Director of Accessible Teaching, Learning, and Assessment Systems (Achievement & Assessment Institute). I have been with the University since October 2020.  I have a passion for impacting positive changes in policies and practices and advocating on behalf of staff. 

I currently serve as a member of the Staff Senate, and I am seeking re-election. I currently serve as the Chair of the Staff Senate Diversity & Inclusion Committee and as a member of the Personnel Affairs Committee (Compensation and Benefits Action Team). The Staff Senate does great and important work that benefits all staff. I really enjoy participating and it would be my honor and pleasure to be re-elected to the Staff Senate. Thank you in advance for your support. 

Chris Wallace, Locksmith Senior, Facilities Planning & Development 

I have been on Staff Senate for a few years now and would like to continue to serve as your representative on senate. I have 33 years at KU. I'm a Locksmith Senior under FPD. I'm a past President of Staff Senate. I'm the current Chair for the elections committee and will be the Chair the 2025-2026 year if elected back. 

Joseph Andrew, Research Associate, Geology 

Candace Bond, Managing Editor, ATLAS

I am honored to run for a second term as a KU Staff Senator. With 15 years of service, I have had the privilege of supporting the university's mission, particularly in research. My journey began as a KUCR pre-award specialist, where I gained invaluable experience in grant applications and funding processes. For the past 14 years, I have served as Managing Editor for ATLAS at the Achievement and Assessment Institute, contributing to projects that support KU’s research, education, and service initiatives.

In my first term as Chair of the Professional Development Committee, I helped secure and allocate record funding to support a record number of staff applicants. Building on this experience, I remain committed to advocating for staff needs, fostering open communication, and enhancing our workplace environment. I would be honored to continue serving and advocating for our university community.

Andrew Johannesen, Associate Researcher, Molecular Biosciences 

Both my family’s long history with KU and my recent experiences unionizing at the University of Minnesota drive my desire to be more involved with University proceedings. I actively work to fulfill all three parts of the KU mission statement, and believe deeply in the force for good the University has been to the area and the world. Though never a student here, I have been involved with KU for over 13 years and seen many changes. I am an Associate Researcher with the Molecular Biosciences department. Thank you for considering my candidacy for staff senate. 

Preston Braun, Education Program Coordinator, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (University Honors Program)

A KU alumni and proud Jayhawk, I currently serve as program coordinator in the University Honors Program. Before joining KU as a staff member, I taught abroad in Bahrain, Brazil, and China. As a result of my experiences, I have developed a passion for working with diverse individuals, including others, and seeking to understand. I am committed to collaboratively working with other KU Staff Senators to ensure that the University of Kansas and all its stakeholders have the opportunity to thrive. Outside of work, I love gardening, spending time with my cats and dog, and riding my bicycle. I appreciate your consideration!

Améa Chandler, BSW Student Retention Coordinator and Sr. Academic Advisor, School of Social Welfare 

Améa Chandler (pronounced uh-may-uh) is the BSW Student Retention Coordinator for the School of Social Welfare and the Academic Advisor for the Traditional MSW program on the Edwards Campus. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northwest Missouri State University. Améa is passionate about helping students navigate their academic journey, having worked for over 15 years in different capacities of student support (housing, counseling, recruitment, advising, and retention). The opportunity to serve her peers and advocate for her colleagues across campus has inspired her to run for the position. She wants to be part of a group that serves all unclassified professional staff and feels that there is good work to be done in relation to employee satisfaction.

Samantha Demmerle, Student Program Manager, Graduate Writing & Support, KU Center for Learning & Writing 

“Hello! My name is Samantha Demmerle, and my personal philosophy is that wisdom and foolishness are two sides of the same coin. Over the past four years, I have cherished the community, commitment, and collaborations between offices, individuals, and ideas here at KU. In my role as the Student Program Manager for Graduate Writing and Support, I support graduate students by working to understand the difficulties and challenges of being a graduate student, translating the complex ecology of KU to help them succeed, and communicating their needs to KU stakeholders. I hope to mirror that work for my fellow staff members! By joining the ranks of Staff Senate I seek to be an active member of the Team that works to ensure that Staff feel supported and valued at KU, and communicate OUR needs across the university.”

Wendy Karpowitz, Student Program Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering

Wendy Karpowitz joined the KUME department in 2022.  She has a long academic and employment relationship with the university.  Wendy received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from the University of Kansas.  She has worked for both affiliates and other units within the university prior to joining the Mechanical Engineering department.  She has served at Hilltop Child Development Center, KU Memorial Unions, Housing, and now as Graduate Program Coordinator for ME.   Wendy currently serves on the Faculty Staff Council on Disability Inclusion, the Staff Senate Personnel Affairs Committee, and the Staff Senate Professional Development Committee.  She was a 2024 Staff Fellow and serves on the KU School of Engineering Strategic Planning Group. 

As I have served in many different capacities, I would like the opportunity to delve more intently into university governance and how the staff senate contributes to the growth and overall mission of the university.  

Christopher Mason, International Advisor, International Support Services 

Chris Mason graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s in political science and history in 2019, during his last year he was the representative for the College of Liberal arts and Sciences Senior class in the student senate. He would later graduate with a Masters in Contemporary East Asian Studies in 2023. Currently he works for the International Support Services Office helping international students get their I-20 so that they can get their student visas and attend the University of Kansas. Chris’ hope for Staff Senate is to provide further advocacy for the International Student population on campus along with making sure that policies and services for students provide the best possible path for success, regardless of background.

Julie Myer, Graduate Recruiter, School of Professional Studies

I have worked in higher education my whole career, first in China before coming back to the Midwest and working as staff in state universities for the last 11 years. Since Staff Senate in my previous job was meaningful to me in many ways, I started attending KU Staff Senate meetings and serving on the Professional Development Committee as soon as I started working here last year (KU Edwards Campus/School of Professional Studies Graduate Recruiter). 

Staff Senate helps amplify staff’s voice and gives staff a seat at the table during important university discussions and decisions. It provides a great opportunity to get to know colleagues from across the university, provides an additional avenue to share information from university leadership and among staff, and supports staff in many other ways. I would be honored to participate in serving you through Staff Senate.

Iridescent Roney, Academic Advisor, Jayhawk Academic Advising 

I am an academic advisor with Jayhawk Academic Advising. I advise for social work and education majors and worked for KU Housing and Residence Life for four years previously. As an alumni of KU's Higher Education Administration graduate program- I center the student experience- especially the experiences of underserved students. I believe staff members wellbeing needs to be centered and our rights as professionals to be protected- especially those of us whose identities make us targets. Our university community has a long tradition of advocacy- a part of my life that I will include in a role on staff senate. I've served on Equality Kansas' state board, and regularly testify before the Kansas Legislature. Like our students, higher education professionals have become targets of the new administration. I believe we have a duty to protect our students, academic freedom, and university community.

Brian Moss, Reference Services Manager, KU Libraries 

I'm running for reelection to Staff Senate to continue my work on behalf of unclassified professional staff and university support staff on the Lawrence and Edwards campuses. I've been extensively involved with Staff Senate for the past decade, including a term as Staff Senate president and several years partnering with students and faculty on University Senate. I’m also one of KU’s representatives to the Unclassified Professional Staff Council, where I collaborate with staff senators from the five other Kansas Board of Regents universities on issues affecting university staff throughout the state. I have two degrees from KU (a BA in English and German and an MA in Global & International Studies), and I've managed the Ask-A-Librarian services for the KU Libraries since August 2012.

Jeremy McLeod, IT Support Technician Senior, Information Technology

Jeremy has been with the University of Kansas since 2018 and has served on Staff Senate since 2022. Recognizing the need for greater staff engagement in technology-related matters, he played a key role in initiating the ad-hoc Technology Committee in 2024. His priority is to formalize it as an official committee and establish clear goals that promote transparency in information technology initiatives. Jeremy is committed to listening to staff concerns and bringing them to Staff Senate for discussion. He also serves on University Senate to represent staff voices at the university-wide level and plans to continue this role if an opportunity is available. If re-elected, he will work to strengthen staff representation in IT decisions, ensuring their voices are heard and their perspectives considered.