Date: February 8, 2007
The following staff members are running for Staff Council in the Academic/Administrative category:
Linda Bergquist - I have been with the UI for 34 year, the last 28 years with UIHC Hospital Human Resources. I have served the past three years on Staff Council and would enjoy the opportunity to continue representing staff from the Administrative/Academic Group. I served previous terms in the 1980’s and 1990’s. During my tenure I’ve been an active participant in many campus-wide committies related to such ares as recruitment, unit reviews, and HR policy/procedure reviews and development. I enjoy working with staff to assure their knowledge and understanding of HR policies and prcedures. I believe that Staff Council is a vital organization in that it represents the best interest of staff to Administration. It is important to assure that we present viable, well-thought-out issues and goals, while also acknowledging the integral part we play in the success of the University.
Brandy Brown - I would like to nominate Senior Financial Analyst Brandy Brown. Brandy has worked in the Finance & Accounting department for one year at the UIHC. She has many previous years of healthcare experience in the areas of budgeting, decision support and general ledger. Currently she works on various projects involving GME reimbursement issues and compiles data for the Iowa Care program. I believe she would be a valuable asset to your council because of her insight and input regarding matters of healthcare. Her ambition and dedication would be an asset your group.
Rina Chaudhary - Rina has been a teaching assistant, research assistant in the College of Education, and supervised students in their medical student teaching practicum. She assisted in building an access database in bariatric surgery. She presently maintains the database for HIV research subjects, trials which assists in generating reports. Rina has been at the University of Iowa ten years. She has an understanding of research responsibilities and the value of research constituents contributions to this university. She would be a valuable representative bringing a diverse perspective to Staff Council and wishes to see research lifted to equal status with other SC categories. Rina is a very cooperative, collaborative, and fair-minded individual who would work well with all Staff Council members.
Renee Clancy - I am nominating myself for Staff Council. I would like the opportunity to represent staff members on issues pertaining to University of Iowa. I have interest and experience in working with recruitment, compensation, and a variety of other HR areas. In particular, I am interested in workforce issues, such as the aging workforce and the future impact this will have on recruitment and retention activities for University of Iowa. In my current role, I am involved with UIHC staff at many levels and across departments, so I am in a unique position to listen to the needs of the employees here at UIHC, and am comfortable voicing concerns or issues in front of groups. Thank you for considering me for the Staff Council.
Diane DeBok - Please consider me for the University of Iowa Staff Council. I have worked at The University for 17 years in the Division of Continuing Education (DCE). For over ten years I was the course coordinator for DCE and worked with faculty, academic department contacts, technical staff, and external contacts to arrange delivery of distance education courses and programs across Iowa. This liaison role has given me perspectives on both The University community and the expectations and perceptions of our off-campus constituents. Currently I am a member of the Continuing Education Staff Advisory Council within the DCE. Having devoted time over the years to committees and projects outside The University I now want to make more contributions within it.
Donald D’Hooge - I like to make a difference in the communities I live and work in. So if elected I hope to help make the University of Iowa a better place for all.
John Downing - John has worked at the UIHC for over 4 years, has lived in Iowa City for over 15 years, and is also an alumnus of the University of Iowa. John is very aware of the happenings on campus and always shows interest in the topics that affect us. I truly believe that he would make a good member that would represent not only those of us in UIHC, but all members of the U of I community.
Nancy G. Fick - I am seeking re-election to Staff Council. I have served on Executive Council, Governmental Relations and Committee on Committees. Serving on Staff Council is educational and rewarding: educational in that we learn about the University and the impact that various policies and procedures have on staff; rewarding in that our voice is heard by administration (even if we cannot formulate policy, we can influence it). The past year has been especially eventful. As Director of HR, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, I dialogue with a variety of staff and I welcome the opportunity to continue representing administrative/academic staff. It is important that we express the views of staff and bring forth issues of importance. The coming year(s) will focus on transition in Central Administration, various human resource issues, such as parental leave, and exploring how staff councilors can best represent their constituents. I would appreciate your vote.
John W. Forys, Jr. - I am seeking re-election for a second term on Staff Council. My current concerns are the same now as they were three years ago: the improvement of retirement, health, and other related benefits, and the recognition of the critical role that P and S staff play in the functioning of the University. I have stated repeatedly that P and S staff are just as critical to the University as faculty, and that our compensation should reflect this importance. Serving on the Staff Council Human Resources Committee, and on the University Faculty Staff Budget Committee has given me the opportunity to work to advance these issues. I ask that you give me the opportunity to continue this work for another 3 year term.
Mary Greer - I have currently served three years on Staff Council and would like to continue. During my past term, I served as chair of the Human Resources subcommittee, Vice President, and am currently completing my term as President of Staff Council. I would like the opportunity to continue working on revising our parental leave policy, redefining our constituent groups, increasing awareness of staff awards and recognition, and formalizing our communication with our local delegates.
Martin Happ - I have lived in Iowa City for almost 20 years and have been involved with The University of Iowa in one form or another; I attended here as a student and now currently work as an employee in the Registrar’s Office. As such, I take pride in the University and want to help ensure that it continues to be a great institution for all associated with it. I will fight hard to make The University of Iowa an even better place to work and believe in the importance of fair and open representation in achieving those goals.
Diane Hauser - I am nominating Diane because she would be a positive and effective member of Staff Council. Diane is a strong advocate for her colleagues; she recognizes co-workers’ contributions and fully understands the importance of a positive work environment and workplace morale. She very effectively serves on many committees, including an elected, in-house advisory committee on Center processes and procedures. She values constant improvement, understands the importance of listening and the art of compromise. As an Academic Advisor, Diane collaborates extensively with a large number of constituencies, including academic departments, student service offices, students and parents, as well as colleagues at other institutions. Diane would bring to Staff Council this experience, extensive breadth and depth of knowledge about the structure of the University and how it works, balanced and thoughtful approaches to problem solving, and the ability to consider the viewpoints of constituencies across campus.
Joanne Higgins - Joanne Higgins is 20 year plus staff members whose career has taken her from working as production manager at The Daily Iowan, to database analyst at University Hospitals. She is extremely active in the University community and a strong advocate for staff rights.
Debra Hughes - I am seeking election to Staff Council to serve the University as a representative for the Administrative Staff. I am interested in learning more about the University, particularly in the areas of budgeting, salary policies and retention strategies. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology from The University of Iowa and a Masters of Business Administration from St. Ambrose University. I have more than 25 years of professional work experience in the field of human resources. I have served in leadership roles throughout my career and have the demonstrated ability to interact effectively with diverse groups to achieve targeted results which will allow me to be an effective representative of the Administrative Staff. My volunteer experience includes leadership positions in my church congregation, the Muscatine/Louisa Chapter of the American Red Cross and United Way.
Helen Jameson - During the five years that Helen Park Jameson has worked for the Office of International Students & Scholars, she has served on numerous committees and provided critical services to the university community and the state of Iowa. Most recently was elected by her peers to serve as a Local Staff Advisory Council representative for International Programs, where her leadership was instrumental in effecting positive change within the organization. She spearheads the intercultural training program, “Building our Global Community,” which received an IOWA award in 2005, and also resulted in a YPE grant to take the series off-campus. She was nominated for a 2006 Catalyst Award for her commitment and service to diversity efforts. Helen has over 20 years of experience working in higher education at institution both large and small. She is wise and cheerful and would be a perfect addition to the UI Staff Council.
Lori Jarmon – Lori Jarmon has over twenty years of diversified administrative management experience, including fifteen years of university experience managing federally funded research projects. This experience includes managing large multi-site research projects that require excellent management skills, analytical thinking and strong communication skills. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa in higher education administration. She has also served on the statewide WAYUP planning committee for the past five years as the UI liaison.
Patricia Kosier - Reason for running, is the desire to represent the non-bargaining staff of the University in a fair, level headed manner and to look at issues from various perspectives. Qualifications include more than 22 years of experience as a human resurce professional, in a role of advising, consulting, and resolving issues. Will use these leadership skills in making a difference for staff.
Selina Lin - As an expatriate from Taiwan, I have been a professional cataloging librarian at the UI Libraries since 1982. I have studied and worked in Iowa City since 1971; earned my Masters of Library Science in 1975. Although Iowa City has become my adopted home, I maintain strong ties with family and friends in Taiwan.
During my tenure at the UI Libraries, I have served on committees at the local, state and national levels. Now I would like to contribute my energy and experience to the Staff Council. I’ve proven myself as a hardworking, friendly and enthusiastic employee, and my personal and academic background should serve me well in the committee work of the Staff Council.
If elected, I hope to serve either on the Education or Human Resources Committee, as the issues related to these two are important to me as a librarian and an immigrant.
Robert (Bob) Manders - I'd like to nominate Robert Manders for Staff Council. I believe Robert would make a great addition to Staff Council given his personal and professional experience. Robert is a 15 year employee of Information Technology Services at the UI. He holds a BS degree in Computer Science from Loras College and an MBA from the UI. Robert has a wife, three daughters, a cat and lives in Cedar Rapids. If appointed to the Staff Council, Robert says he’d like to continue to make the UI a nice place to come to work every morning.
Patricia (Pat) Mason-Browne - Patricia (Pat) Mason-Browne; In her three decades of instructional/professional staff experiences at UI, Pat has held a variety of positions and had frequent contact with students and with staff across the campus. Currently an Assistant Director (Program Associate I) in CLAS Academic Programs and Services; she is a former Assistant Director and academic advisor at the Academic Advising Center, a UI Admissions Counselor, and an Instructor in the Department of Spanish & Portuguese. Her current service on the Family Issues Committee, and previous service on the CLAS Staff Recognition Committee and the Board of Associated University Women, has given her the opportunity to expand her knowledge of existing University services and help to develop and implement new policies for students, faculty, and staff. Pat would like to bring this standard of service to all professional and scientific staff as a representative on UI Staff Council.
Lisa McDaniels - I nominate Lisa McDaniels of the Reference and Instruction Department in the University of Iowa Libraries for Staff Council. Lisa would bring her work ethic, communication skills, and a strong commitment to diversity to Staff Council. As a reference and instruction librarian she interacts with patrons with divergent needs and library skills and teaches an academic course on library research skills. Lisa has served on a number of Library committees including the Hidden Collections taskforce (co-chair), Self-Study Task Force, Diversity Committee, and Library Staff Association Council (treasurer). On the Diversity Committee Lisa initiated diversity-related staff development programs, developed language for additional expectations for P&S staff regarding Diversity and Inclusion, and created guidelines for respectful intra-committee communications. Lisa serves as the Libraries’ Liaison to the LGBT Resource Center, is a member of UI LGBT Staff Faculty Association and volunteers as a WRAC group facilitator.
Laura Prince - As an Immigration Specialist within the office of Faculty & Staff Immigration Services I will bring my knowlege of government agencies and how they work and will also provide my knowledge of cultural diversity as it relates to our skilled faculty & staff. It is critically important to assist staff in creating a work place that cares about its employees as well as working with administrative leaders to ensure this is carried out in a consistent and fair manner. Staff Council will give me the opportunity to assist fellow staff members with issues that are important campus wide.
Steve Ruefer - Steve has worked at University Hospitals for many years and is a valued staff member. He pays attention to current events and would bring a great understanding of issues that impact staff to Staff Council.
I feel privileged to be nominated for staff council. This is something that I have wanted to do for some time but haven’t had the time to devote to it until now. I think this a perfect opportunity for me to get involved in issues that affect staff and help make the University of Iowa an even better place to work.
Amber Seaton - Amber has been employed by the UI since 2001 in various capacities. She recently participated in the Grants LEAN Focus Group for the Division of Sponsored Programs. She is the chair-elect on the board of the Associated University Women and is eager to serve on Staff Council. One of her concerns is spiraling health care costs and the effect of decreased flexibility of Spending Account dollars.
Kathryn Stoltenberg - I've been employed at various institutions for higher learning for the past decade, but the UI is the first where I've experienced a strong connection and the feeling that I can make a difference. As I plan to be around for a long time, I would like to have the opportunity to give more than just my ‘40 hours a week’ and contribute more to the University Community. I feel that I can bring in a fresh perspective on old issues and a strong voice on new issues while keeping a global view.
Mark Thomason - I received my B.A. from U of I in 1993, and plan to enroll in the MHA/MBA program. I am a certified LeanSigma Black Belt with nearly ten years experience teaching and leading the implementation of lean and six sigma principles. By putting these principles into practice, several UIHC departments and clinics have already seen fantastic results.
Saving resources by shrinking departments is a short term solution at best. It is a silo mentality that ultimately hurts more than it helps. The "lean" methods, initially created in Japan, focus on improving the entire value chain by making better connections between people and departments.
I enjoy doing this work and take great pride in helping people make things work together better. As a member of the Staff Council, I would faithfully provide this perspective to the institution.
Kristina Venzke - I am nominating myself for Staff Council because I have a commitment to improving the workplace at the University of Iowa. I am particularly concerned about promoting diversity and the assurance of a civil working environment for all employees. My qualifications include a BA in Communications and an MA in Intercultural Administration. Currently I am pursuing a Paralegal Studies degree with an emphasis on Employment Law and Immigration Law. My job duties include managing an international internship program for minority students as well as assisting with a program which trains health professionals from Central Europe and Africa in Occupational and Environmental Health. In the past I have worked as an Assistant Study Abroad Advisor, and have served as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I believe that it is time to step up and serve the community that has served me well for many years.
Linda Walshire - My career at the University began in 1979 in the law library and has included working at the art museum, in central administration, in a research center and now in an academic department as administrative assistant. Having worked in these varied settings has given me a broad view of the University, seeing how all areas are interconnected. I would be interested in working on any issues that are of concern to the University community.
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