The purpose of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Staff Senate is to be an advisory body on issues, institutional policies, and practices that relate to the staff, to serve as a forum for the exchange of ideas, to promote common interests among the staff, to advocate for staff welfare and development, to suggest revisions and initiatives to improve staff policies, and to participate in the formulation of institutional policy and governance.
Senators, who are elected by their peers, represent one of seven districts defined by the university’s overall organization. Those districts are Business and Finance; Chancellor; Academic Colleges; Student Affairs; EVC’s Additional Employees; Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and Research. While senators are elected by district, each represents the full body of staff at UNL. As such, they have the responsibility of listening to the concerns of fellow staff members and forwarding those concerns to the Senate. Four ex-officio members of the Staff Senate are drawn from the NU System’s Central Administration.
Staff and administrators who are not members of the Staff Senate can request matters be placed on the Staff Senate’s agenda and participate in the resulting discussion. Requests should be sent the President of the Staff Senate at
Staff Senate Candidates
It is election season for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Staff Senate. 35 staff members are being considered for vacant senator positions across the 7 districts. Candidates can be found by visiting the Staff Senate Candidates page. To view the candidate bios click on each person’s name to find more information, including their reasons for seeking election to the staff senate. At the beginning of March 2024, each eligible staff member will receive an electronic ballot allowing them to vote for their district representatives. Elected senators will be announced in April 2024 with their terms beginning in July 2024.
Upcoming Events
Staff Senate Committees
Executive Committee
Sara Haake
STAFF SENATE PRESIDENT
Jessie Brophy
STAFF SENATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Jordan Gonzales
STAFF SENATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Vacant Position
STAFF SENATE SECRETARY
Joann Ross
STAFF SENATE COORDINATOR AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Bylaws Committee
Blake France
Christina Franklin
Marissa Kemp
Doug Pellatz
Markeya Peteranetz
Julia Stubblefield
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee
Drashti Bhatt
Ian Edgington
Jill D. Flagel
Letty Garcia
Jordan Gonzales
Edgar Montoya
Mikki Sandin
Kim Schellpeper
Kristin Jagels
Communications Committee
Eileen Bergt
Kate Carlin
Jolene Deinert
Adam Fitzwater
Jerri Harner
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Derek McConnell
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Katelyn Rife
Elections Committee
Stephanie Bonnema
COMMITTEE CHAIR
Joan Kunzman
Brent Morgan
Terri Pieper
Kim Rauscher
Rhonda Zugmier
Legislation Committee
Cindy Agee
Amy Barry
Jessie Brophy
Ashley Washburn
COMMITTEE CHAIR
Liaison Committee
Patrick Barrett
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Regina Flowers
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Greg Fritz
Tony Lazarowicz
Ben Lennander
Brad Severa
Celeste Spier
Personnel Affairs Committee
Elizabeth Barry
Drashti Bhatt
Ryan Caldwell
Megan Ebbers
Spencer Hall
Meg Kester
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Sara Mattson
Samantha Link
Jennifer Rutt
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Recognition Committee
Scott Evans
Morgan Green McConnell
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Colleen Huls
Carrie Jackson
Julie Singh
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Pat Tetreault