As stated in section 4 of the Staff Senate bylaws, “Senators shall serve as members of no less than one Senate committee per term year.” In addition to senator membership on committees, any Missouri State University staff member is eligible to serve on a Staff Senate standing committee or other University committee/group on behalf of Staff Senate.
Standing Committees
Staff Senate has several standing committees that are used to investigate and discuss staff-related issues, plan service and social activities and programs for staff members, provide guidance and support for Staff Senate, and fulfill the mission of the University.
If you are interested in serving on one of these standing committees, please email the committee chair.
Bylaws Committee
The Bylaws Committee is a Staff Senate committee whose duties shall be to develop and report bylaws and to accept proposed changes to the bylaws, study the proposals, and prepare recommendations to the Staff Senate.
Senator Members |
Staff Members at Large |
| Kelly Cara - Chair | |
| Andrew Garton | |
| Jonathan Taley |
Budget and Priorities Committee
The Budget and Priorities Committee (formerly the Issues and Concerns Committee) investigates issues that are brought up in Staff Senate and/or assigned by the chair and makes recommendations back to the Staff Senate. This committee is currently inactive, and will be formed as deemed necessary.
Scholarship Committee
The Scholarship Committee is responsible for promoting and raising funds to maintain the Staff Senate Scholarship.
Senator Members |
Staff Members at Large |
| Andrew Garton - Chair | Deb Dishman |
| Kelly Barnts | |
| Sandra Arthur | |
| Jonathan Talley | |
| Charles Schoneboom | |
| Yvette Medley |
Public Affairs Committee
The Staff Senate Public Affairs Committee arranges activities and develops proposals to produce citizens of enhanced character that contribute to the University community and society, and demonstrate civility in thought, speech and action. While these activities and proposals may benefit all members of the University community, special emphasis is placed on staff development.
Senator Members |
Staff Members at Large |
| Ryan Reed - Vice Chair | Garry Stafford - Chair |
| Holly Robison | SuzAnn Ferguson |
| Brenda Stewart | Emily Furtak |
| Christina Bowles | Kelli Farris |
| Tammy Tindle | |
| Sam Simmons |
Denim Day Committee (Philanthropy)
Denim Day is the Staff Senate Philanthropy. This is sub-committee of the Public Affairs Committee organizes the Lee National Denim Day Campaign on campus. See the Denim Day web page.
Senator Members |
Staff Members at Large |
| Andrea Weber - Chair | Diana Garland |
| Catherine Beck | SuzAnn Ferguson |
| Emily Furtak | |
| Kelli Farris | |
| Tammy Tindle | |
| Sam Simmons |
Public Relations Committee
The Public Relations Committee maintains the Staff Senate bulletin board and brochure and coordinates fundraising events for staff and presentations for New Employee Orientation. Other public relations duties may be assigned by the Staff Senate Chair.
Senator Members |
Staff Members at Large |
| Brenda Stewart - Chair | |
| Teressa Arnette | |
| Andrew Garton | |
| Scott Fiedler (ex-officio) | |
| Sandra "Sandy" Johnson | |
| Allison Overmyer (temporary) | |
| Steve Turner |
Staff Activities Committee
The Staff Activities Committee coordinates social activities for staff such as Tent Theatre Staff Appreciation Night, the Staff Senate Picnic and other activities through the year.
Senator Members |
Staff Members at Large |
| Chair - Vacant | Janelle Melton |
| Yvette Medley | |
| Corbin Campbell | |
| Kirk Whittington |
Staff Excellence in Service Awards Committee
Selects from nominated staff recipients of the Staff Senate Excellence in Service to the University award. This award is presented by the Staff Senate to honor staff members who make outstanding contributions to the success of the University through their service as University employees.
Senator Members |
Staff Members at Large |
| Matthew Stublefield | |
| Allison Overmyer | |
MSU Administrative Professional Forum Committee
This Staff Senate committee serves to plan and organize two forums each in the fall and spring semesters for MSU administrative professionals. The forums will present representatives from the departments and areas admins work with the most, and serve to provide the latest updates on procedures and processes as well as contributing to professional development and campus-wide knowledge and efficiency.
Senator Members |
Campus Department |
| Sandy Johnson - CoChair | Faculty Senate Office |
| Janelle Melton - CoChair | Honor's College |
| Jamie Hall | Institutional Research |
| Teressa Arnette | Missouri State Online |
| Kristan Gochenauer | Office of the President |
| Christy Graham | Graduate College |
| Nadine Jones | Technology and Construction Management |
| Leta Moler | Office of Diversity and Inclusion |
| Jaime Ross | Access and Outreach |
| Karen Sikes | College of Arts and Letters |
| Brenda Stewart | Institutional Equity and |
| Laurie Wilson | Darr School of Agriculture |
Other University Committees/Groups
In addition to the standing committees, Staff Senate also sends representatives to serve on and provide input to several University committees/groups. For a full list of University committees, see the Committees Handbook published by the Office of the Provost. Senate representatives are either staff senators or staff members at large who are asked to report back to the Staff Senate after committee meetings.
Below is a list of University committees/groups for which Staff Senate provides representation:
- Administrative Budget Committee (Staff Senate Chair as representative): Dixie Williams
- Employee Assistance Program Committee: Matthew Stublefield
- Faculty Senate: Sandra Johnson and Ryan Reed
- Master Planning Committee: (Staff Senate Chair as representative) Dixie Williams/Mike Frizell
- Public Arts Committee:
- Wyrick Commission: Janelle Melton