Election 2022
Staff Advisory Committee Election
Members of Xavier's staff (all non-faculty, non-Cabinet level positions) are invited to vote and elect the newest members of the Xavier University Staff Advisory Committee.
Nominations have been received and voting takes place from Monday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. to Friday, June 3 at 5:00 p.m.
Questions about the process can be emailed to Molly Dugan, Chair of the Staff Advisory Committee.
What is Staff Advisory Committee?
The Staff Advisory Committee provides a forum for open communication and ongoing dialogue between exempt and non-exempt staff employees and administration on University strategic direction and initiatives. The committee reports to the Office of the President. The Staff Advisory Committee recommends exempt and non-exempt staff employees for consideration by the President of the University for appointment to academic and University committees where staff have a role.
View current Staff Advisory Committee members.
Voting
Candidates (please select no more than five)
Brendan Bergen
Marketing & Communications, Administration
I have spent nearly eight years at Xavier in two different departments, serving five years in athletics and nearly three in the Office of Marketing & Communications. During my time, I've had the opportunity to meet and interact with great people from most every area of campus. I'd relish the opportunity to collaborate with those in other departments, as well as our leadership team, to advocate for our staff and identify areas we can improve together.
Donna Berns
Athletics, Administration
I am interested in serving on the Staff Advisory Committee in a way that can assist Xavier Leadership by providing advisory support that aligns with Xavier's mission and values. As a Xavier Alum, Parent, Donor and employee with 11 years of service I understand our mission and our core values which I align. I will bring my best to this committee. Thank you for your consideration.
Em Daniels
Auxiliary Services, Financial Administration
Having graduated from Xavier in 2019 I hold this community and its success close to my heart. I know that during my time here it was the staff who provided a significant piece of my exceptional experience. I am incredibly thankful to be a part of this community in a professional role. As a young professional I am able give an insight as to what other young professionals on campus are thinking. I believe my voice can help to increase the retention of other young professionals like myself.
Mariah Dern
Counseling Services, Student Affairs
For better or for worse, our staff and the student's at Xavier have been through a lot. Many have coped in wonderous and significantly strong ways in the face of enormous weight and stress. Many of us simply survived the last two years. I believe that my knowledge as a mental health counselor and my understanding as working mom (with 2 kids under 2) puts me in a unique position to care and advocate for those who call Xavier home.
Rebekah Friedhoff
ABSN Program, College of Nursing
As an administrative assistant I work with all aspects of the Xavier community; students, faculty, staff, and administrators. I feel this would allow for me to provide input from a unique and different perspective.
Jenny Harrison
Risk Management
I have been working at Xavier University for the past four years. I am involved with various groups on campus. I served as the Chair for CAPE, Connecting Administrative Professionals for Excellence; am a graduate of the AFMIX program Cohort XI, and a member of the Safety Committee. I believe that by being part of the Staff Advisory Council, I can offer a unique perspective on matters pertaining to the University and play an important role in providing a voice for Xavier Staff.
Cheryl McElroy
Academic Affairs
As a staff member in the Office of Grant Services, I work daily with staff and faculty across all areas of campus who are involved in seeking and managing external grant funding. I have worked at Xavier for over 15 years and have been a member of the Benefits Committee, Sustainability Committee, and Business Operations Group. I want to help give staff a voice in university discussions and ensure effective communication across the campus.
Dr. Daniel McSpadden
TRIO Scholars Student Support Services, Enrollment Management & Student Success
In my 7 years of working here at Xavier I feel that I am aware of the campus climate for staff and believe that the collaborative relationships I've built on campus and in the community can aid me in igniting a positive change for staff here at Xavier. A strong and effective staff advisory committee can be a tremendous asset across the university. I feel that I can play a role in that by helping to provide guidance that helps staff solve day to day issues and by being a voice for change.
Whitney Menser
Student Success Center, Enrollment Management & Student Success
I am interested in serving on SAC as a liaison and advocate. I think it's important to advocate for individuals, office structure improvements, and systemic changes. As a Success Coach I understand the importance of holistic support that begins with listening and moves into action. I believe I can help provide strategies, ideas, and insights leading to staff happiness and retention. Ultimately, I would like to support all of the great people who have helped me since I started here at Xavier.
John Parham
Student Athlete Academic Support Services, Enrollment Management & Student Success
I wanted to become an active member of campus as soon as I started. I have been involved a few committees and I attend as many meetings and events on campus as possible. I believe that I am an exemplary candidate due to my comprehensive background within the field of academic services in higher education. I demonstrate the commitment to excellence necessary to thrive in this innovative environment. My work experiences have provided me growth professionally, and the commitment to detail.
Autumn Richards
Student Success Center, Enrollment Management & Student Success
You are more than your job and you should feel valued! Through my work leading a higher ed YP group in Cincy, navigating my career in higher ed, and joining staff groups at Xavier, I understand the rewards/challenges of retaining new professionals. As a member of SAC, I would keep cura personalis at the center and use my strengths of empathy, futuristic thinking, and inclusion to create new ways for staff to thrive professionally and feel empowered in their work and life (it's a balance!)
Rebecca Wiesman
Enrollment Operations, Enrollment Management & Student Success
As I am finishing my second year here at Xavier, I recognize that this is a special place. I would like to be a part of this committee so that I can take a more active role in bettering the work environment we have here. In my current role, I have had the pleasure of working alongside many different departments and I see a need for enhanced communication. I bring to the table excellent communication skills, experienced problem solving abilities, and a heart of service.