Meet Your Senators

The Staff Senate is governed by its Constitution and Bylaws. Amendments to the UNCG Staff Senate Constitution & Bylaws may be recommended by the Senate to the Chancellor by a two-thirds vote of those Senate members present at a regularly scheduled Senate meeting, provided the amendment was introduced and discussed at the regular meeting immediately prior to the meeting at which a vote on the recommended amendment is taken. If two-thirds of the Senate (present at the meeting) votes to approve a proposed amendment, the Chair of the Senate shall forward the proposed amendment to the Chancellor for approval.

Membership:

• Ian Draves, Chair
• Kimberly Mozingo
• Kristy Howell
• Charlie Birkner
• Mitzi Cartwright
• Andrew Thomas

We are looking to shift the purpose of our website to become a hub for clear and accurate communication. This group will be asked to  

• Identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement of current site. 
• Update site content to reflect the latest branding, messaging, and Staff Senate Strategic Plan. 
• Help us tell the Staff story and highlight what we are doing and who we are. 

Membership:

• Mary Steele, Chair 
• Audrey Bryk-Lee 
• Darrell Kicker 
• Christopher Ferguson 
• Steven Crawford 
• Bri Welsh 

This is the second year that we have done some sort of onboarding process, and we would like to continue this effort and build upon what has been done in the past to have a more concrete process for how and when to offer onboarding for new and returning Senators. This group will be asked to consider the onboarding process for both senators and committee chairs.  

Membership:

• Lee Griffin, Chair 
• Alice Culclasure 
• Derek Bradley 
• Barbara Halbert 
• Brynne Pulver 
• Heather Bishop 

This committee plans and coordinates Senate communications and seeks to increase staff engagement with the Senate, UNCG, and our broader community. We invite sub-committees and individuals to contribute in various capacities, including but not limited to:

• Identify community service activities or initiatives on campus that are relevant to UNCG staff and shall coordinate staff participation in these activities. A strong emphasis is placed on Senate presence in and devotion to the UNCG community.

Membership:

• Abigial Hart, Chair 
• Christy Lennon 
• Ryan Ridpath 
• Shannon Lovett 
• Barbara Halbert
• Audrey Sage 
• Paula Terrell 
• Jarrod Rudd 

This committee is responsible for planning and leading fundraising efforts of the Staff Senate, namely in helping grow the UNCG Staff Senate Scholarships and Staff Excellence Awards Endowed Fund. This fund assists staff and their dependents in pursuing professional development opportunities and in raising supplementary funds for awarding of additional Staff Excellence Awards, given annually to staff who have gone above and beyond in their service to the University. 

Membership:

• Jennifer Boggs, Chair 
• Shannon Lovett 
• Michele Cheek 
• CJ Jones 

Every holiday season, the Staff Senate sponsors an Angel Tree to bring joy and support to individuals and families on our campus. Through the generosity of our staff, we collect and distribute gifts to those in need. In December, we come together for a festive wrapping party, where we prepare and package these thoughtful gifts, ensuring a memorable holiday for all. Join us in spreading cheer and making a difference in our community!

Learn more about this event.

The Staff Appreciation Committee is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work and contributions of our staff members. Partnering with the Chancellor’s Office, this committee works to organize a Staff Appreciation event open to ALL staff. Join us in acknowledging the efforts of our incredible staff and fostering a culture of appreciation and respect.

The Staff Recognition Committee shall be responsible for the administration of the Staff Stars program, University Staff Excellence Awards, Ezekiel Robinson Staff Emeritus Award, the Staff Senate Scholarship award, and the SoCon Award. Additional recognition programs may also be developed. This committee will also assist with the planning and facilitation of Staff Appreciation Day event.

Ideas and suggestions, along with assistance in delivering Awards are welcome throughout the year from constituents, not just Senators.

Membership:

• Clara Hidalgo, Chair 
• Kate Humphries 
• Mark Cable 
• Cathy Church 
• Cindy Carrington 
• Augusto Peña 
• Laura Drew 
• Matthew Fridell 

Senators who are in the last year of their term will serve on the Elections Committee in addition to duties assigned in order to assist the Past-Chair in acquiring nominations to fill their upcoming vacancies. Elections of Senators shall be conducted prior to May 15 of each year. The Immediate Past-Chair of the Staff Senate, shall serve as Chair of the Elections Committee and supervise the election process.

Membership:

• Ryan Milligan, Chair