University Staff Senate 

June 23, 2026 | 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | RSC Room 142

Senators in Attendance – In Person

Monica Bergkamp, Angela Blackerby, Anne Marie Brown, Kevin Duffy, Gabriel Fonseca, Nathan Johnson, John Keckeisen, Christopher Leonard, Daniel Ludlow, Susan McCoy, Jacob Mendez, Kendra Nguyen, Chukwunenye Nweke, Jessica Pierpoint, Corby Redington,  Sadi Roberts, Kennedy Rogers, Stacy Salters, Kelley Smetak

Senators in Attendance – Virtual

Preston Schroeder, Sarah Mathews, Sara Mata, Whitney Crager, Courtney Henry,  Zachary Brown

Senators Not In Attendance

Krissy Archambeau, Aaron Coffey, Lyndsay Pletcher, Margaret Rees, Kimberly Gutierrez

Guests

Erin Shields, Kathrine Johns, Olivia Kerschen, AnnaMarie Kilmer, Roberta Swanson, Kelly Rolen, Leilani Hook, Melanie Tidball, Trang Bui, Dough Parham, Marissa Kouns, Aaron Hamilton, Naquela Pack, Tiffanie Henderson, Joseph Asbridge, Raven Garrison, Zachary Hendrich, Brady Marzolf, Megan Steele, Ana Abente Rodriguez Alcala, Caitlin Nolen, Kimberly Sandlin

  1. Call to Order
    1. Approval of Minutes – Electronic
      1. Motion to approve, Gabriel Fonseca; Seconded Daniel Ludlow. Motion passed.
    2. Announcements

      1. None

  2. New Business

    1. Welcome New and Re-Elected Senators

      1. Non-Exempt
        1. Joseph Asbridge
        2. Monica Bergkamp (returning)
        3. Anne Marie Brown (returning)
        4. Caitlin Bruner
        5. Raven Garrison
        6. Zachary Hendrich
        7. Brady Marzolf
        8. Megan Steele
      2. Exempt
        1. Ana Abente Rodriguez Alcala
        2. Katie Austin
        3. Christopher Leonard (returning)
        4. Caitlin Nolen
        5. Kimberly Sandlin
    2. Retreat Overview
      • Retreat is a newer initiative to help onboard new senators
      • Retreat Planning Update: Preliminary planning for the Staff Senate Retreat is underway. The current tentative schedule includes:
        • Morning Session (10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) – Primarily focused on onboarding new senators, including introductions, shared governance, Staff Senate structure and responsibilities, policies and procedures, and available resources. All senators will be welcome to attend.
        • Afternoon Session (12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.) – Focused on networking, team-building activities, strengths and advocacy discussions, Senate priorities for the upcoming year, committee planning, and additional Senate business.
        • First Staff Senate Meeting (3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) – Will serve as the first official meeting of the new Senate term and include the installation of new senators, installation of the Executive Committee, executive officer elections, and other transition-related Senate business.
      • Additional details, including the final agenda will be shared as planning continues.
    3. Open / As Arises
  3. Old Business
    1. At Large Senator Appointments
      1. Sadi Roberts – Office of Human Resources
      2. Preston Schroeder – Civil Rights, Title IX and ADA compliance
      3. Daniel Ludlow – Custodial Maintenance
    2. Executive Board Elections Process
      1. Nominations open through June 26th
        1. You will have the opportunity to elect/nominate individuals (you can also self-nominate) for executive positions.
        2. Voting will begin on July 6th, announcements will be made at the Retreat on July 21st for the next session.
        3. Questions – Contact Christopher Leonard.
      2. Executive Board Positional Overviews by Current Executive Board
        1. President Elect – You get a year to learn how to be Staff Senate President, You have to have served at year of service before serving in this role, support in KBOR meetings
        2. Vice President – main role is to chair the elections committee, if there are any questions, please feel free to contact Christopher or Krissy (previous VPs)
        3. Secretary – Take minutes for the meetings, open to anyone in the room, great awareness of what is going on overall with senate, some comfort level in tech is helpful (Teams, Website)
      3. Outgoing Chair Overviews of Position
        1. Awards and Recognition – Facilitates process for staff senate excellence award and president’s distinguished award. Get’s busy around February in reviewing applications.
        2. Communications and Website – Oversee the communications and website, in charge of all the information that goes out of staff senate, familiarity with technology preferred, Post all meeting agendas/minutes, Share meeting invitations to WSU Today, any requests from other committees to put information on website or share out to WSU Today, Newer initiative started this year is the Senator Spotlights & implementation of Staff Senate Branding Kit.
        3. Elections – Oversee the elections process
        4. Professional Development and Service – Focus on providing opportunities for self-care and professional development for staff, The committee hosts at least one event each semester
        5. STRIVE Conference – Coordinate the STRIVE conference, help plan and oversee the conference
        6. Scholarships – Two application periods for staff senate scholarships, chair oversees setting up the application link and getting information out for applications.
      4. Every senator will be part of a committee – if there are any questions feel free to reach out to the committee chair
    3. Senate Awards 2025-2026
      1. Outstanding Achievement - Recognizes an individual or individuals within the Senate for outstanding and sustained contributions to Staff Senate and, by extension, Wichita State University. The nominees are:
        1. Stacy Salters has made a significant and sustained impact on Staff Senate through her leadership as Chair of the Communications & Website Committee. Under her direction, the committee successfully developed and launched a comprehensive branding and communications strategy for Staff Senate, including the creation of an official logo, marketing templates, and updated web and communication tools. These efforts elevated the visibility of Staff Senate initiatives and strengthened engagement with staff across the university. Stacy also led efforts to modernize communication practices, including the university initiative of PDF remediation, enhanced messaging strategies, and consistent branding. Her work improved transparency, accessibility, and awareness of Senate activities, directly contributing to the organization's mission.
        2. Gabriel Fonseca has demonstrated exceptional and sustained leadership within Staff Senate through both his formal role as President-Elect and his active engagement across Senate initiatives. As Chair of the Awards & Recognition Committee, Gabriel led the development and implementation of significant enhancements to the Senate’s awards structure, including the creation of new award categories and the formalization of award processes and criteria adopted by Senate vote. Beyond committee leadership, Gabriel consistently played a central role in Senate governance by introducing motions, guiding discussions, and contributing to key decisions that shape Senate priorities and operations. His commitment to collaboration, strategic thinking, and meaningful outcomes has advanced both Staff Senate and Wichita State University.
        3. Corby Redington – Corby Redington has been a dedicated and dependable contributor to Staff Senate throughout the year. He has played a key role in supporting Senate elections, served on multiple committees, and consistently stepped up to assist wherever help was needed. Corby’s willingness to support fellow senators, contribute to committee work, and help ensure Senate initiatives move forward has made him a valued and trusted member of the organization. His commitment to service and willingness to help others has had a positive impact across Staff Senate.
        4. Anne Marie Brown – Anne Marie Brown has been a dedicated and engaged member of Staff Senate, making meaningful contributions through her involvement in several key initiatives. She played an instrumental role in successfully implementing the Staff Senate scholarship program, helping bring the initiative from concept to reality and expanding opportunities for university staff and their families. In addition to championing the scholarship program, Anne Marie has been an active contributor to the STRIVE Committee, supporting efforts that promote professional development, engagement, and connection among staff. She has also been a strong supporter of Admins Coming Together, helping coordinate and advance opportunities that recognize and connect administrative professionals across campus. Through her consistent involvement, collaborative spirit, and commitment to supporting staff, Anne Marie has made a lasting impact on Staff Senate and the Wichita State community.
      2. Rising Star Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and quality contributions to the Senate while showing strong potential for continued impact in the future. The nominees are:
        1. Kendra Nguyen – Kendra Nguyen has quickly distinguished herself as an essential contributor to Staff Senate through her role as Secretary and active participation in the Communications & Website Committee. In her role as Secretary, she ensures the accuracy and consistency of Senate records and communications, supporting effective governance and organizational continuity. She has also contributed to initiatives that enhance communication and engagement, including efforts to improve constituent outreach and streamline internal processes. Her professionalism, reliability, and willingness to take on responsibility demonstrate strong potential for future leadership and impact within Staff Senate.
        2. Courtney Henry – Courtney Henry has shown strong potential and dedication as an active and engaged member of Staff Senate. Serving on the Awards & Recognition Committee, she has contributed to initiatives that enhance staff recognition and support Senate priorities around engagement and retention. In addition to her committee work, Courtney has supported broader Senate efforts, including assisting with constituent data and engagement initiatives. Her collaborative approach, reliability, and willingness to contribute wherever needed demonstrate the qualities of an emerging leader within the Senate.
        3. Chukwunenye Nweke – Chukwunenye Nweke has quickly become an engaged and impactful member of Staff Senate. Throughout the year, he has stepped into leadership opportunities and spearheaded professional development programming that has provided valuable learning and engagement opportunities for staff. His initiative, enthusiasm, and willingness to contribute have made a positive impact on Senate efforts and demonstrate strong potential for continued leadership within the organization.
        4. Angela Blackerby has been a creative and engaged contributor to Staff Senate, helping develop unique opportunities that connect staff with the Wichita State campus. She was the driving force behind the Walking History Tour and worked alongside Jay Price to organize that, and came up with the idea for the Garden Tour. Both created engaging experiences that highlighted campus resources, fostered community, and encouraged staff involvement. Her creativity, initiative, and commitment to providing meaningful programming have made a positive impact on Staff Senate and demonstrated strong potential for continued leadership and service.
      3. Outstanding Committee of the Year recognizes a committee that worked collaboratively to advance the missions of the UP and USS Senates and contributed to the success of the Senates and Wichita State University. The nominees are:
        1. Communications & Website Committee – The Communications & Website Committee has played a critical role in advancing Staff Senate’s visibility, accessibility, and engagement with the university community. Through a collaborative and innovative approach, the committee developed and implemented a comprehensive branding strategy, including the creation of a Staff Senate logo, templates, and communication tools that standardized and elevated Senate messaging. The committee also enhanced communication channels through senator spotlights, updated website content, and outreach initiatives that improved awareness of Senate activities and opportunities for staff involvement.
        2. STRIVE Conference – The STRIVE Conference Committee successfully planned and executed a signature professional development event for Wichita State staff. Through strong collaboration and coordination, the committee created opportunities for learning, networking, and engagement that supported staff growth and connection across campus.
        3. Awards & Recognition Committee – The Awards & Recognition Committee has demonstrated outstanding collaboration and impact in advancing the mission of Staff Senate and Wichita State University. The committee led significant efforts to enhance the Senate’s recognition programs, including the creation of new awards, refinement of existing awards, and formalization of processes and criteria adopted by Senate vote. These initiatives strengthened the integrity, transparency, and reach of staff recognition across campus while supporting broader goals related to staff retention, engagement, and visibility.
        4. Policy Committee – The Policy Committee worked through complex and challenging policy matters throughout the year, providing thoughtful review, discussion, and recommendations. Committee members consistently shared feedback, evaluated proposals, and contributed to discussions that supported the work and governance of Staff Senate.
      4. The winner of outstanding achievement is Anne Marie Brown
      5. The winner of rising star is Kendra Nguyen
      6. The outstanding committee is Communications & Website Committee
  4. Senate Committee Updates
    1. Awards and Recognition
      1. Staff Excellence introduced last year, this year added two additional awards
      2. Excited for the buy-in and support is that we had more applications, got a better handle of timeline for applications & reviewing
      3. Learned some lessons on application review process, updated process and added to the bylaws
    2. Communications and Website
      1. Goals completed
      2. Senate Visibility & Campus Presence
        1. Created a logo & branding options for all senators to use
        2. Created some senator spotlights & highlight different departments
        3. Investigate a sharepoint site & how it might be used as a platform to engage constituents - determined that this was not the best way to engage constituents & was too time consuming to maintain.
        4. Include wellness suggestions to the highlights email sent to all senators – done
    3. Elections 
      1. Reviewing of the USS numbers and election numbers.
      2. Process that has been set up is still going strong.
    4. Policy Review 
      1. Had a meeting with general council recently to strengthen the partnership with that department and was a positive next step to figure out how we can improve our relationship. Plan on meeting with general council again to continue connection.
    5. Professional Development and Service 
      1. Great presentation at the STRIVE Conference, Gardening Tour was a new idea that received great response.
    6. STRIVE Conference 
      1. Great conference, lessons learned and continue to work towards continue to update/grow the event
    7. Scholarships
      1. Great year, selected several scholarship recipients and was able to provide $1,000 in scholarships.
      2. Looking to continue raising money to fill the scholarship fund
    8. Chair Policy and Procedures Ad Hoc Committee 
      1. No updates
  5. Campus/University Business Updates & Discussions
    1. Advisory Budget Committee 

      1. No Update

    2. Human Resources (Joint with Faculty Senate)

      1. No Update

    3. Legislative Update + KBOR Briefing 

      1. No Update

    4. Parking Appeals + Traffic Appeals 

      1. No updates

    5. President’s Meetings

      1. No updates

    6. RSC Board of Directors 
      1. No updates
    7. Admins Coming Together 

      1. No updates

    8. UPS/USS Presidents Council (KBOR)
      1. No Update
  6. Recognition of Outgoing President
    1. Thank you for your service in leading our senate for the 2025-2026 session, Jacob Mendez!

  7. Adjourn/Upcoming Meetings and Events/Shoutouts

    1. The next Staff Senate meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

    2. Senators were encouraged to continue monitoring the University events calendar for additional upcoming campus events and activities.