Meet the 2021-2022 Nominees
The following staff have been nominated to represent your job category (exempt or non-exempt) during the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Please take a few minutes to learn more about each candidate through their biographies below.
Elections will open on Monday, April 19 at 8 a.m. and will close on Sunday, April 25 at 11:59 p.m. To cast your vote Login to myWSU and locate the link in the Faculty/Staff tab in the Employee Toolbox, "University Staff Senate 2021 Election."
Katie Austin
Hi, my name is Katie Austin and I've worked at WSU since May 2012. I am interested in serving on the University Staff Senate to help move this newly reorganized forward. I hope to engage with folks from across campus to better understand the issues that are important to them and work to create solutions that work for everyone on campus.
Jason Bosch
Hello fellow Shockers! My name is Jason Bosch and I currently serve as the Interim Assistant Dean and Director of Student Engagement and Scholarships in the College of Engineering. I started working at Wichita State in January 2017.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in field studies from Wichita State in 2005 and my master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Arkansas in 2007. This semester, I will complete my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Wichita State. Throughout my 14-year career in higher education, I have served in a variety of student affairs/student services roles at three universities.
The role of staff is incredibly important to the mission of Wichita State. As a member of the staff, I know how hard my colleagues across the institution work to keep the university operating and to provide top-notch services and support to our students. Wichita State must recognize and value the critical contributions of all of our staff, and I am interested in serving on the University Staff Senate to be a voice and advocate for my fellow staff members.
I was asked to include what I hope to accomplish in this bio, but serving on the senate would not be about me and what I want to accomplish. Should I be elected, my approach would be to work with fellow senate members and the staff at-large to understand the needs and wants of our staff and then develop our goals and strategies accordingly.
Jeswin Chankaramangalam
Blake Cicenas
Lisa Clancy
Hi, I am Lisa Clancy, Business Manager for the College of Health Professions and it is an honor to be nominated for UP Senate. I have worked at WSU since 2012 and I can say this has been the most rewarding, challenging and fun career path. I grew up in Wichita and received my undergrad at the University of Colorado, Boulder CO.
Since my time at WSU I have served on several committees, task forces and council’s. I am currently a member of the Budget Advisory Council and serve as Vice President on the board of the Campus Credit Union.
It would be with great pleasure to represent and advocate for your as your senator.
William Fulls
My name is William Fulls and I am the Compliance Officer in the Office of Financial Aid. I have worked at Wichita State University since December 2016, so I am approaching my five-year mark with the University. I am interested in serving on the University Staff Senate because I feel that the Office of Financial Aid has an important voice within the University, both for our roles in serving our student body as well as our role in ensuring we meet the regulatory requirements to continue participating in Federal-level programs – which in turn can oftentimes also impact University staff. I have served in several different capacities on campus that involve reviewing a broad spectrum of policies and activities, through audits, reviews, information requests, and committees. Through this experience, I have established a good relationship with a variety of different offices around campus and deeply understand how important developing a strong sense of community on campus can truly be. I hope to provide a voice within the University Staff Senate that will provide support and guidance for our staff and students while also supporting the compliance requirements set forth by the Federal government to ensure our institution continues to meet the requirements for Federal-level aid. Each staff member on campus deserves to have a voice, because no matter how large or small the role, we all work together to provide an outstanding institution of higher learning for our students and community.
Lisa Hansen
Gretchen Holthaus
Hello! My name is Gretchen Holthaus and I currently serve as the Director of Graduate Studies in Business and have served in this role since 2019. Prior to returning to WSU, I worked at the Center for Postsecondary Research and served as an Associate Instructor at Indiana University. During this time I also interned with Federal Student Aid in the U.S. Department of Education and worked as a research assistant in Washington, D.C. From 2011 to 2015 I worked at WSU in the Student Success Office, where I promoted financial education initiatives and served as the head of the Student Money Management Center. As a student at WSU I worked at the Community Engagement Institute at Wichita State's downtown campus from 2009-2012, where I worked on a variety of grant-funded projects aimed at strengthening our local community.
I currently serve on several committees within the Barton School, including our Diversity & Inclusive Excellence Committee, our Enrollment, Recruitment & Retention Committee, and our Strategic Planning, Marketing & Accreditation Committee. This year I also had the opportunity to serve on the President's Finance Taskforce, where I enjoyed collaborating with colleagues across the university. I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the staff senate to work on university-wide goals and initiatives. Thank you to those who nominated me!
Jacqueline Johnston
Hello, Shocker Nation! I am the Senior Academic Advisor for Online Learning in the Office of Online Learning, working as an Academic Advisor and service-referral “concierge” for all fully-online Liberal Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Students at Wichita State. I have been working at Wichita State since I completed my Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in 2014 and have been working in Online Learning since 2015.
I grew up in Wichita and attended Isely Elementary School, just down the road, at 18th and Grove! I never would have imagined, when we would walk to Wichita State for field trips and events, such as Interfest, that I would be spending my professional career on the same campus! I believe that my experiences on campus at such a young age truly contributed to my interests in Higher Education and educational access.
I would be proud to represent staff members across campus on the University Staff Senate and to be a voice and advocate for other Shocker staff members.
Kimblery Kufahl
Hello! I am Kim Kufahl, assistant director of marketing and communication for the Shocker Career Accelerator. I have worked at Wichita State for 13 years. I love Wichita State and the community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. In my position, I get to market our applied learning program and career development tools to current and prospective students and help connect employers to our qualified and diverse population of fabulous Wichita State students.
It would be an honor to serve you as University Staff Senator.
This academic year will be important, bringing the campus and community back together after the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this season of transition, I want to accomplish a renewed sense of community and teamwork through staff networking events (virtual and in-person) to get to know fellow staff members across the campus and learn how we can support one another. COVID-19 has pushed digital transformation three years ahead of schedule. I want to use WSU's LinkedIn Learning technology to further staff's professional development opportunities and build up our staff member's credentials.
Thank you for your consideration, and Go, SHOCKERS!
Teresa Moore
Hi! I am Teresa Moore, the Director of Accounting Operations in the Office of Financial Operations and Business Technolgy; and am honored to be nominated to represent you in the UP Senate.
My Shocker employee journey of service began as Associate Controller in June of 2003. In addition to my day to duties, I have served and continue to serve in other fiscal capacities and administrative areas. Recently, in 2017, I was appointed as the Fiscal Control Adviser for the Sunflower Newspaper; and the Financial Analyst for the Board of Trustees in 2018.
Academically educated by Friends University, I have an earned Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration, and an Executive Master of Business Administration; and a Master of Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University.
Throughout my eighteen years of employment, it has been a privilege for me to serve on various committees and task forces across the University. This has allowed me to gain insight into the administrative and academic operations of the University. I believe transparency is essential; and can be achieved through clear communication that is vital to the success of the University as a whole. I embrace the opportunity to be an effective voice on behalf of the employees at Wichita State by accepting this nomination.
Patricia Moriss
Patricia Morriss teaches in the Women's Studies and Philosophy Departments at Wichita State and serve as the Learning Management System Specialist, working to help faculty and students having trouble with their Blackboard courses. She has been at Wichita State University for 25 years. Besides this work, she owns and operates a no-kill animal sanctuary in Wichita. For the past 25 years, Lifeline Animal Placement and Protection has taken in neglected or forgotten dogs and cats, caring for them until a good adoptive homes are found.
Sara Muzzy
Kennedy Rogers
Hello! I currently work in Student Involvement as the Coordinator for Leadership Development. For the past four and half years, I have been fortunate to serve students through leadership programs, CliftonStrengths coaching, and other program/event support! Additionally, I partner with Human Resources to offer CliftonStrengths training to empower faculty, staff, and student employees to identify and leverage their strengths towards their goals! Through this work, I have built many relationships across campus and strive to maintain those connections. I am interested in serving on the senate to be an advocate for staff across campus. It is my ambition to serve by continuing to build and maintain relationships across campus, be a voice for staff, and work together to find solutions to the issues we face. In addition to critically and creatively working towards solutions for our staff, an area of interest and passion of mine is staff and overall employee professional development. I love our Shocker Community and I am so honored to have been nominated to sit at this table!
Kelley Smetak
Hello, my name is Kelley Smetak. I work in the LAS Dean’s office as the Finance Director. I have been in banking and finance since I graduated from KU in the 90s. I have enjoyed worked here at WSU for the last 6 years. I support our staff within the Liberal Arts School and am interested in helping protect their rights and those of the other WSU staff. I think it is important to have a voice that will speak up on behalf of all of the staff here at WSU. I am also a WSU graduate student in the Hugo Wall School and hope to have my MPA by the end of 2022.
Lauren Smith
Hi, my name is Lauren Smith. I’m a Budget and Management Analyst in the University Budget Office and have been in the role for the last four years. I’m a two-time graduate of WSU; I completed my bachelor’s degree in Economics and Marketing through the Barton School in 2014, and earned my Master’s in Economics in 2016. I am a third generation Shocker who was raised with an enormous love for the university. I care deeply about the future of the university, and I want to be an advocate for staff across campus.
Rachel Tuck
In 2010 I first walked on to Wichita State University's campus to pursue a major in Forensic Science. Five years later I walked in commencement as an honors student graduating with degrees in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, and Biology with a minor in psychology. During my time as a student at Wichita State, I was highly involved with the Student Activities Council, the Honors Program/College, and Shocker Rowing.
Upon graduation, I was offered a full-time job by my Head Coach to work as his Assistant Coach and Office Manager. Over the last six years, we have worked together to build our program, facility, and community outreach. In FY 19, Shocker Rowing began to manage Boats and Bikes, an equipment rental and retail shop downtown and I took on the responsibility of the Director of Operations for the shop.
I am interested in serving on the senate because I want to ensure Wichita State is a university that not only students want to attend, but a university where Faculty and Staff want to work at. Wichita State has been my home since 2010. I would like to help mold our university into a place where others have a reason to be as proud of the University as I am the Shockers.
Megan Voth
Sara Zafar
I am Sara Zafar, Title IX Coordinator in the WSU Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance. I am a lifelong Wichitan and have devoted my career to public interest and community building. I have worked at Wichita State just shy of two years, and I have appreciated the many opportunities to collaborate and connect with other departments and offices across campus. I appreciate the opportunity to represent and serve as a voice for staff in this capacity. the best interests of believe the best way to ensure the university is serving its community is through effective communication and building trust and relationships across the board.
Angela Aubrey
Hello, my name is Angela Aubrey and I am the office manager in the School of Education in the college of Applied Studies. I have worked in this department for over seven and a half years. It has been a pleasure supporting the faculty, staff and students. During my time working here, I’ve been able to graduate with my Master’s in Education in Counseling.
I’m interested in serving on the Staff Senate to better understand the policies and procedures and how they affect the employees. I would like the opportunity to be an advocate for the employees.
Johnettea (Johny) Buchanan-Spachek
I am the Office Manager in the Student Government Association office. I’ve worked at Wichita State University (WSU) for 9 years.
I was elected President of the USS Senate for the year 2016-2017. It was my pleasure to serve. I attended several meetings regarding combining the senate’s, so I am familiar with this and other current items the senate is working on.
My previous experience with the senate before I was elected President, was being a senator with the Classified Senate for 3 years. During this time the senate proposed that Classified employees be given the status of University Support Staff.
In addition, the same senate also supported a market study to compare WSU’s compensation to the area in and around Wichita. This is a long process that continues to this day. I would like to help see this get completed.
It would be my honor to serve again. Thank you for the nomination.
Christina Covey
My name is Christina Covey and I am currently an Eligibility Specialist in the Office of Financial Aid. I have served in multiple capacities within the office and have learned a great deal from the amazing staff across campus. I have been part of Shocker Nation since January of 2015 and enjoy working with students in helping them pursue their educational goals. Prior to my time at WSU, I worked in roles that allowed me the opportunity to work students in various ways and it is what I enjoy doing the most. I am honored to be nominated to serve on the Senate and seek this opportunity to engage with leadership and my peers to collectively bring about new ideas and be a voice for others.
Denise Gimlin
My name is Denise Gimlin, and I am the Director of Graduate Operations for the Graduate
School. I have been at WSU in various roles (student, student worker, emergency temp,
full time staff member) since August of 1986, except for a brief stint working in
“the real world” before coming back to work for the Graduate School. I fell in love
with both WSU and working on campus as a student employee, and when I got a job off
campus, I realized I belonged at WSU, and came “home” as soon as I could! I started
working in the Graduate School as an admissions officer in March of 1992 – so just
over 29 years ago.
Over the past two years, I have served as a UP Senate representative for Academic
Affairs. During that time I have served as the chair/co-chair of the policy review
committee and the chair of the library appeals committee, and have served on the parking
appeals committee. I have enjoyed being a part of the senate, and advocating for the
needs and concerns of those I represent. I am excited to have the opportunity to be
a candidate in the upcoming election, and hope to be able to continue to serve in
the newly minted University Staff Senate!
Marissa Kouns
Hello! My name is Marissa Kouns and I am a Program Specialist in the Office of Financial Aid. In my position, I assist with the management of Title IV programs and compliance as well as helping students to obtain financial assistance to pursue their education. I work collaboratively across campus to manage our Federal Work Study program and supervise our office’s work study students. I have a passion for my work and love the opportunities our office and WSU create for our students.
I am a proud graduate from Wichita State University, completing my bachelor’s degree in marketing and management in 2008. After spending several years in various roles in higher education at other institutions, I went on to complete my MBA at Friends University in 2014. A few years later, I was given the opportunity to join Wichita State University, something I always wished for since beginning my career in higher education. I have been a part of WSU for nearly 4 years now and can say this is absolutely my favorite place to be. I am looking forward to many more years to come.
I am honored to accept the nomination for a seat in the Staff Senate. I am interested in serving because I genuinely care about the well-being of the university, staff, and students. I have over 10 years of experience in higher education. I love to be involved and see how I can make a positive impact to the lives of staff and students. I am an active listener and receptive to thoughts, ideas, and feedback from others. I am dedicated to make sure that every voice is included and heard. I hope to use my experience, ideas, and perspective to advocate for and represent staff and students in the WSU community.
Alexandra (Ali) Levine
Hi Friends, I am a past USS Senate President and Vice President, and previous chair of the Kansas University Support Staff Council (USSC). During my time as chair of the USSC, we met with KBOR and the Council of Presidents and successfully accomplished equalizing vacation time earnings among USS and UP staff members. I believe whole heartedly in shared governance, advocating for staff, and openly communicating with administration about your concerns as a staff member. I have worked at WSU for 13 years, and currently work in ITS as a Microsoft Office trainer. As a non-exempt (hourly) employee, I hope to assist with the transition to a joint senate represented equitably by exempt and non-exempt staff and to act as a voice for hourly employees.
Angela Linder
My name is Angie Linder. I serve as the Assistant to the Director, and Office Manager, for the Office of Financial Aid at Wichita State University. Before accepting my WSU position in 2001, I had proudly served in United State Air Force for 10 years and continued my military work while at WSU. I retired from the Kansas Air Guard in 2010 after 22 years of service.
I am a first-generation college graduate. I earned my my Associate of Arts degree through the military, then continued my education through a Bachelor of General Studies from Wichita State University in 2010.
Over the years I have participated in various campus organizations, having chaired several committees and projects as a proud member of the African American Faculty and Staff Association (AAFSA). Further, I have served as a University Support Staff Senator at WSU off and on since 2003.
I have always worked in service roles and take pride in helping students, acting as a mentor and positive influence for both students and other professionals I work with, and acting as an OFA liaison within the campus community. I am honored to be nominated as a representative for the USS Senate and look forward to helping the Senate develop policies that could make WSU an even better place to work. I will continue to bring creativity, a positive attitude, and a commitment to service to the USS Senate, and the greater WSU community.
Kendra Nguyen
Hello! My name is Kendra Nguyen (she/her) and I am the Grant Research Coordinator for the Office of Research. I graduated from Wichita State University with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2007 and absolutely loved being a Shocker. Since graduating, I continued to stay involved with WSU in various capacities as a volunteer for many of the various organizations on campus before returning in 2017 and joining the Shocker family as a staff member.
From my previous position working in the public sector, I have grown a passion for being involved in the community by staying informed and encouraging and providing input from diverse backgrounds and experiences. I am honored to be nominated for a senate seat and believe that this would be a great opportunity to continue my personal passion of involvement and input to the University Staff Senate and WSU community.
Connie Nutter
Alisha Petersen
My name is Alisha Petersen. I work in the Access Services department of Ablah Library as the Circulation Supervisor. I was hired October 8th of 2017. I have been getting more involved in the community at WSU and have found it to be rewarding. I enjoy being able to know the reasons behind decisions and be part of that process. The nomination was honestly a surprise, but I’d like to seize this opportunity. My hope is that I can use this opportunity to represent the needs of the library staff at Ablah and be a credit to the Senate as a dedicated, conscientious senator.
My name is Alisha Petersen. I work in the Access Services department of Ablah Library as the Circulation Supervisor. I was hired October 8th of 2017. I have been getting more involved in the community at WSU and have found it to be rewarding. I enjoy being able to know the reasons behind decisions and be part of that process. The nomination was honestly a surprise, but I’d like to seize this opportunity. My hope is that I can use this opportunity to represent the needs of the library staff at Ablah and be a credit to the Senate as a dedicated, conscientious senator.
Jessica Pierpoint
I have been with Wichita State University in numerous capacities from being an undergraduate student worker with Wichita State Athletics and University Libraries departments, to graduating in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in General Studies-English, and coming back in 2019 to my current role as staff member. I am in my third year as Information Services Research Assistant, working with Government Documents Collections and serving as our PTRC representative, for University Libraries.
I have also served on different department and library committees, as well as, served as member or liaison for many campus and Wichita community organizations. Through my current position and role, I have work with a wide range of Wichita State community and the greater Kansas community while continuing to build strong relationships across campus by helping to serve students, faculty, staff, and community.
I am honored to be nominated to hold a senate seat and would be gracious to have this opportunity. I have always had a passion and positive commitment for Wichita State University and hope to be able to contribute as a voice and serve by becoming an advocate for staff across campus.
Sara Rue
Greetings, I am Sara Rue and I have worked for WSU within Ablah Library Access Services as the Reserve Specialist for the past 5 years. I hold an MLIS with a concentration in Archival Studies and have been on a number of committees within the Library including our 125th Anniversary celebration committee and am currently working with 3 other co-workers in the library on our new Podcast, That’s a Shocker. I am also a proud Shocker Graduate Student working on my MA in Anthropology and Museum Studies certificate.
The Library has historically had someone on Staff (USS) and UP Senate for some time although the most recent individual retired. While I understand that the new structure is non-exempt and exempt rather than departmental I think that having the perspective of this group could be a valuable asset to the Senate. I personally feel as though I would be an asset to the Senate as I am a young professional but also have some time under my belt at the University through perhaps some of its more tumultuous times. I have strong research and interpersonal skills that allow me to work well with various groups. I also make an effort to think through situations from as many perspectives as possible. As my supervisor says, I "think all the things."
It is with this in mind that I hope to prompt discussion and aid this new combined Senate in navigating changes as the University evolves and adapts. As an employee but also a graduate student I am committed to working to make the University the best place to work as possible. We spend so much of our waking hours at these jobs that we need to be thinking not just about how we can better the University but how it can benefit and better us as individuals and a community. I also want to learn more about the workings and needs of various groups within the University and foster discussion and partnerships that can benefit as many as possible. I was excited to be nominated and hope that with the support of my fellow staff that I can serve them and the University in this additional role.
Jessica Walles
My name is Jessica Walles and I am the Business Manager for the ITS division of Telecommunications. I started with ITS Telecommunications in January 2013. I left in July 2015 to work at a public accounting firm. Luckily, I was able to come back to the University in March of 2018 and have been in this role since. My job entails not only running analytics and helping in the decision process for our department, but also assisting customers and training our administrative team to do so, as well. We work very hard to provide the best service to everyone we come in contact with. I am a CPA and earned my MBA from Friends University as an adult student. I am also a First-Gen student and professional and am a founding member of the First-Gen Affinity Shockers (A First-Gen Professional Group on campus).
I am interested in serving in this position to continue giving voice to our staff members regarding shared governance. I believe this has been critical in the past and needs to continue. Advocacy is one of my passions. Currently, my family works with Storm Creek Horse Co Farm & Rescue to give the animals a voice. I’ve been volunteering there since their inception over a decade ago. Learning to lend voices to those you represent has been so important in my volunteer work there and is something I know would help in my work with the senate, if elected. My goal in pursuing this opportunity is to help move the University onward in our shared mission to provide the absolute best experience for our students we can. If selected, I would work hard to ensure all factions were well represented and that I served not with my own agenda, but that of the staff of Wichita State University. Go Shocks!
Lisa Wood