2026 Senate Nominations EEO 30
EEO 30 :
Callie Beaird-Campbell:
Hello! I go by Callie (she/her). I graduated from AState with my bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation in 2022. As of February, I have two teenagers - they are hilarious, multi-faceted, strangely relatable (I feel so old), and just wonderful little humans all around! My husband is currently in an Environmental Science doctorate program at AState, as well. He is slated to graduate in December, and I am so proud of him! We also have 4 cats and a dog – our home is abysmally hairy this time of year. My family means the world to me, and I’m so lucky to have them all!
I work in Research and Technology Transfer as a Proposal Development Coordinator. I support professors across campus with developing and submitting proposals for research grants, fellowships, and other potential funding opportunities. I’ve been in this role for a little over a year, and given my personal background in research, I find it to be very fulfilling. Additionally, my coworkers have become an incredible source of support for me, and they are part of my motivation to become a member of AState’s Staff Senate. I believe I could offer valuable perspective from multiple angles – I was a non-traditional, single mother STEM student, I graduated here, and now, I work on campus full-time. I would like to be part of an even larger community that supports the staff at AState, something greater than myself that will undoubtedly expand my worldview.
Carnesha Ben:
My name is Carnesha Ben, and I would be honored to serve on Staff Senate. I have been a part of the A-State community for many years, first as a student and now as a staff member. In my role at the Wilson Counseling Center, I see firsthand the importance of individuals feeling heard, seen, and valued qualities that are equally essential for staff across campus.
Over the past eight and a half years, I have built meaningful connections and developed a strong appreciation for collaboration. I believe being a team player is vital to fostering a supportive and effective university environment.
In terms of leadership, I have served as both Secretary and President of the Black Faculty and Staff Association. During this time, I helped lead a campus-wide initiative, “The Pack Gives Back,” in partnership with several organizations to support the A-State Food Pantry by providing food, clothing, and essential items for students, faculty, and staff during the holiday season.
My interest in joining Staff Senate comes from a genuine desire to advocate for staff voices, strengthen communication across campus, and contribute to a more supportive and inclusive workplace. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve and represent the needs of our staff community.
Crystal Blake:
My name is Crystal Blake, and I am a Class of 2000 ASU alumna currently serving in the Office of the Registrar. I am eager to join the Staff Senate for several reasons. First, I am committed to being a strong advocate for my colleagues and ensuring our voices are represented in campus decisions. Second, I look forward to collaborating with peers across various departments to better understand our collective impact on the university. Finally, serving on the Senate will allow me to gain a deeper perspective on our institutional operations, enabling me to contribute more effectively to the ASU community. I would be honored to serve in this capacity.
Christy Brinkley:
I direct the Office of Behavioral Research & Evaluation (OBRE) at A-State and am honored to be nominated to serve on the Staff Senate. I have been part of OBRE and the A-State community for 25 years. Because our office primarily works with partners external to the university, it can be easy to feel somewhat disconnected from day-to-day campus operations.
By serving on the Staff Senate, I hope to bring a different perspective—one that reflects staff who may not be involved in traditional campus roles, but who are connected to and supportive of the university’s mission.
If selected, I will be committed to listening, learning, and engaging with others while serving as an advocate for the staff I represent.
Christopher Brown:
I am a higher education professional with extensive experience in academic advising, student services, and program development. I currently serve as Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Operations and Scheduling, supporting the Academic Affairs and Research Office’s strategic plan of improving use of campus academic spaces and centralizing the course scheduling process.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from Arkansas State University. My current work is driven by a commitment to student advocacy, strengthening support for faculty and staff communities, increasing the efficiency of use of campus spaces, and implementing innovative software and best practices.
Throughout my career, I have served on committees and councils, contributing to policy discussions, program evaluation, and campus initiatives. This experience, combined with a strong record of cross-functional collaboration, advocacy for student and staff needs, and process improvement, has prepared me to effectively serve on Staff Senate by representing diverse perspectives, supporting shared governance, and advancing initiatives that strengthen institutional effectiveness.
Madelyn Carson:
I have worked at A-State for over a decade in student, part-time, and full-time roles. As a two-time alum and staff member, I value our campus community. I have volunteered for Staff Appreciation Week multiple times over the years and was a founding member of the Props Committee. Wolves Up!
Ryken Cocherell:
Ryken Cocherell has spent ten years being part of the A-STATE community by receiving all three of her degrees and working as a graduate student, maintenance employee, and now a staff member in the Office of Accreditation and Assessment. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History and Bachelor of Science in Psychology before returning to A-STATE and achieving her Master of Arts in History. She was also initiated and an active member in the Omicron Epsilon chapter of Delta Zeta, located on campus. Because of her long-standing academic career and variety of contributions to the university, her belief that being involved with staff senate is the next step to offering her services and experiences to better serve A-STATE.
Haley Cummings:
I serve as the Associate Director of New Student and Family Programs at Arkansas State University. In my role, I oversee our Pack Leader students and lead the planning and execution of New Student Orientation and Family Weekend. I am also focused on continuing to grow and expand the roles of this position. I am interested in serving on Staff Senate as a way to become more involved on campus, contribute to conversations that support staff, and contribute to a positive and collaborative campus environment.
Angela Daniels:
I have been a part of the Astate family for over 20 years. I have served on staff senate and other committees on our campus that gave me the opportunity to help influence positive change. Being an advocate for others brings me great joy. If elected, I will continue to use my voice to help shape the future of our university. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on Staff Senate.
Alex Dunn:
Alex Dunn serves as Director of Early College Programs at Arkansas State University, where she works closely with a variety of stakeholders including students, faculty, staff, and community partners to expand access to higher education opportunities across the state. Through concurrent enrollment, dual enrollment, and outreach initiatives, she helps create strong pathways for student success.
She is passionate about building connections and providing support so that help both students and employees thrive. Alex values transparency, communication, and shared problem-solving, and she believes strong staff leadership plays an important role in strengthening campus culture.
As a Staff Senate candidate, she is committed to being an advocate for staff voices across campus and helping foster a positive university community. She is honored to be considered for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the continued growth of Arkansas State University.
Elizabeth Duryea:
I am from Jonesboro, AR. I graduated from Arkansas State University with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in History. I have worked with students in higher education for 6.5 years, starting at Astate in July 2023 as am Academic Advisor in the University Advising and Transfer Student Success Center. I enjoy helping students discover their own paths and supporting all students in their individual journeys. I am interested in serving on Staff Senate because I would like to become more involved on campus. I would like to have a say in what happens to staff on campus and help make changes that impact us in a meaningful way.
Craig Estes:
I have been employed in Procurement Services for the past 5 years. I love helping people meet their procurement needs, and I look forward to the opportunity to help Staff members across campus with their concerns and goals if I am elected to serve. Thank you!
Cathy Gongloff:
I have worked for A-State in the Information Technology Services department for nine years; during that time, Arkansas and A-State have become my home and family. I am originally from Pennsylvania. If elected, I will make being part of the Staff Senate a priority. Looking forward to being your representative.
Deanna Harris:
I am a computer support analyst in the College of Nursing & Health Professions with 33 years at Astate. I am committed to supporting staff, encouraging open communication, and helping improve our workplace. I hope to serve on Staff Senate to represent my colleagues and be a voice for positive change.
Tyler Hollis:
I serve as Senior Associate Director of Enrollment Marketing and Communications in the Enrollment Management division here on campus.
In my role, I lead a team responsible for brand strategy, enrollment campaigns, and communications that connect prospective students to A-State. A graduate of Jonesboro High School and Arkansas State University, where I earned my degree in 2019, I have deep roots in Northeast Arkansas and a personal connection to the institution I now help represent.
I'm interested in serving on Staff Senate because I believe the staff experience at A-State directly shapes the student experience. When employees feel heard, supported, and invested in the institution's mission, that energy carries into every interaction with students, families, and the broader community. Staff Senate is one of the few formal structures where those voices can influence meaningful change, and that opportunity matters to me.
Working across departments and alongside faculty, administrators, and student workers has shown me how varied the staff experience can be depending on role, division, and tenure. I want to bring that awareness to the table and advocate for policies and practices that reflect the full range of people who run this university. I'm committed to showing up prepared, listening more than I speak, and following through on the work that representation requires.
Jennifer Hurn:
My name is Jennifer Hurn and I have been with First National Bank Arena since 2018, currently serving as Assistant Box Office Manager. In this role, I have the privilege of working with individuals and businesses in our community and surrounding areas, concert promoters, various campus departments, and students.
Participation in the Staff Senate would allow me to broaden these collaborative efforts by engaging with colleagues across the university and contributing to initiatives that serve faculty, staff, and students alike. It would be an honor to represent my peers and work toward the continued growth and success of Arkansas State University.
Hasin Ishrak:
Hasin Ishrak is a proud A-State alumnus and currently works in the Research and Technology Transfer at A-State. In his role, he supports research activities, innovation, and new ideas that help move the university forward. He is especially interested in how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can be used to improve research, efficiency, and learning across campus.
Hasin wants to serve on Staff Senate because he believes staff voices matter and every employee should feel heard and valued. As both a former student and current staff member, he understands the importance of building a positive workplace culture where people collaborate and succeed.
If elected, Hasin would work to support staff interests, encourage professional growth, and promote ideas that make campus operations stronger and smarter. He hopes to bring a forward-thinking perspective focused on research, innovation, and using technology to better serve the A-State community.
Scott Johnson:
My name is Scott Johnson, and I am proud to serve on the campus of Arkansas State University. I currently serve as the Director of Operations for Maintenance, Custodial, and Events at both the Reng Student Union and the Red Wolf Fitness Center.
I have worked on campus for over 20 years. I started in the Grounds Department on the finish crew and worked my way through nearly every area of maintenance. That experience has given me a strong understanding of campus operations and the people who keep things running every day. When I’m not on campus, you can usually find me outdoors—hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, or guiding others safely down one of the many recreational rivers in our state.
In my current role, I oversee daily facility operations, manage custodial and maintenance teams, and coordinate event setups to ensure both buildings operate efficiently while providing a clean, safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for students, staff, and visitors. My responsibilities include staff supervision, scheduling, training, and working closely with campus partners to support a wide range of events and activities.
I am interested in serving on the Staff Senate because I want to be a strong, steady voice for staff across campus, especially those working in operations and support roles. I believe in communication, accountability, and teamwork, and I would value the opportunity to represent my peers while contributing to positive improvements across the university.
Thank you
Toni Jones:
A-State is my alma mater where I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees. I joined the A-State Online Faculty Support staff as a part-time instructional technologist in 2018. The department and I have grown together over the years and I'm proud to now lead our instructional design team as Director. I am truly passionate about creating effective, quality online learning experiences in service to our students and faculty.
Reason for Interest: Arkansas State University has been my educational and professional home. As such, I'm deeply committed to serving the institution that has given me so much in shaping my education and career.
Kelli Listenbee:
I am a higher education leader and scholar specializing in cocurricular programming, retention, and equity-driven assessment. As a first-generation college graduate whose research and practice focus on advancing student persistence, particularly among low-income, minority, and international students, I have a demonstrated impact which includes increasing engineering student retention by 11%, securing $28,500 in grant funding, supporting over 18,000 students annually through accreditation compliance, and generating an estimated $384M in lifetime earnings for graduates supported by tutoring initiatives.
Previously serving on Staff Senate, I am once again interested in representing my EEO category as a staff senator. With current and past roles that support the entire institution, I feel that I am uniquely positioned to offer an inclusive lens on institutional issues affecting staff.
Danita Martin:
I am the Fiscal Support Manager in the College of Education and Behavioral Science. I started as an Administrative Specialist for Educational Leadership, Curriculum, and Special Education in fall of 2021. Last fall I took on the Teacher Education department as well. During my time here at A-State I’ve had the opportunity to work with not only staff in CoEBS, but with staff in departments across campus. In my position, I work daily in the various systems that so many across campus use. I understand the needs of those in my EEO category. As a building liaison for Education and Leadership Studies and now Education & Communications, I’ve worked with the various staff that share and maintain the buildings. This has given me a little insight into what happens with staff in some of the other EEO categories. A-State staff all across campus are vital to the work of the university. It takes all of us. I’m a helper by nature, and advocacy is one way to help others. I’d value the opportunity.
Jaden Martin:
My name is Jaden Martin and I serve as the Fiscal Support Analyst in the College of Liberal Arts and Communication Dean’s office. I graduated from A-State with my Bachelor’s of Communication Studies in 2021 and with my Master’s of Strategic Communications in 2022. I have been a part of the university staff since mid-2023 and am thankful to have formed amicable connections with many of my fellow staff members. I would love to be a part of the Staff Senate as a way to serve my A-State community I’ve become so fond of.
Meoshe Morgan:
Meoshe Morgan for Staff Senate with over a decade of dedicated service to Arkansas State University, I currently serve as the Associate Director of Scholarships. A proud alumna, I earned my B.S. in Management in 2020 and am currently completing my M.S. in Higher Education as of May 2026. My journey at A-State has been defined by a commitment to student success and institutional excellence, overseeing critical financial operations, scholarship compliance, and team leadership. Beyond my administrative role, I am a lifelong resident of the region and a mother of two daughters who have shaped the person I am today. My leadership through the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Leadership initiatives, and youth sports continues to foster growth in our local community.
Statement of Interest I am seeking a seat on the Staff Senate to serve as a proactive voice for the professional staff who form the backbone of our university. My daily work involves navigating complex systems and cross-departmental workflows, which has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our campus infrastructure.
If elected, I intend to focus on:
- Advocacy: Ensuring staff concerns regarding workplace flexibility and professional development are heard by leadership.
- Efficiency: Promoting streamlined communication between departments to improve the student, parents, and faculty/staff experience.
- Community: Strengthening the bond between different administrative units to foster a more unified campus culture.
My experience in governance models and scholarship management has prepared me to approach Senate tasks with a balance of analytical precision and empathy. I am eager to contribute my leadership skills to ensure A-State remains an exceptional place to work and grow.
Karen Nelson:
I am a dedicated higher education professional with a strong commitment to student success, collaboration, and institutional service. For the past 18 years I have be working within the higher education community both in the 2 and 4 year I currently serve as a transfer coach and academic advisor within hybrid and transfer programs, where I support students in navigating their academic journeys and achieving their educational goals.
With a passion for building meaningful connections across campus and the broader academic community, I actively contribute to initiatives that enhance student engagement and streamline support services. I have been involved in planning and coordinating professional events that bring together advisors and educators from across the state, fostering collaboration and the sharing of best practices.
I value open communication and believe that staff voices are essential in shaping a positive and effective workplace environment.
Through my service on Staff Senate, I hope to advocate for my colleagues, promote professional development opportunities, and support initiatives that strengthen the campus community. I am dedicated to representing staff perspectives and contributing to a culture of respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Amanda Prestidge:
I currently serve as the Assistant Director of Treasury Services at Arkansas State University, where I support financial operations. My experience in higher education, along with recently earning my MBA, has strengthened my understanding of how important teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking are in day-to-day operations. I try to be someone others can rely on—whether that’s helping solve a problem, answering questions, or just being a supportive team member. I enjoy working with people across campus and building positive relationships along the way. I’m interested in serving on the Staff Senate because I’d like to be more involved and help represent the voice of staff. I believe staff play a big role in the success of the university, and it’s important that we feel heard and supported. I’d appreciate the opportunity to listen, share ideas, and help be part of positive changes that benefit our campus community.
Ryan Raines:
My name is Ryan Raines. I accept this nomination. The people I work with are the ones who have kept me going for 7 years. I would like to serve on Staff Senate to continue to help facilitate a vibrant, equitable, and positive work environment on a campus-wide scale in addition to my home office in Enrollment Management.
Julie Snearly:
Julie Snearly currently serves as the Director of Treasury Services. She returned to the institution in 2024 after previously working at ASTATE for seven years. She began her career at the university as a part-time student worker in Finance & Administration before transitioning into a full-time position in Sponsored Programs Accounting. These roles, along with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration, have provided her with a strong foundation in financial operations, compliance, and cross-campus collaboration.
Julie’s connection to A‑State is both professional and personal. She has grown within the institution as a student and employee, expanded her experience through roles outside of higher education, and ultimately returned with a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for the staff who support the university’s mission every day.
Outside of work, Julie has been married to her husband, Nick, for 25 years. Together, they are raising three children—Elijah (17), Leah (15), and Noah (12). These life experiences have strengthened her skills as a listener, problem-solver, and advocate as she understands the importance of work-life balance.
Julie is seeking election to Staff Senate because she believes staff voices matter and deserve thoughtful, respectful representation. She is committed to open communication, collaboration, and supporting a positive, inclusive university community. She would be honored to serve.
Tracy Stinnett:
I have been with ASU for a little over a year now. I was an Interior Designer with a couple of different Architectural Firms in town before that. I love designing spaces that bring people together and inspire others. I love how design can bring joy to people by opening their eyes to other possibilities. I like to reimagine spaces and their uses and bring new life into areas that might not have it currently. I am interested in serving on the Staff Senate for a similar reason. I hope to look outside the box and find ways to serve the ASU community and help make ASU a better place to work and thrive. I'm excited about the opportunity to find areas of ASU that could use fresh vison and new life.
Mia Sheppard-Taylor:
*Have been in staff senate years ago and on many of the other committees at ASU(Santa’s Wolves ect). My goal is to always give back to my community, from working at the university for 25yrs+, and loving what I do to serve the students, Faculty, and staff. As I continue my journey at ASU, I want to continue to enrich lives and leave a positive light on my department that I can bring to the growing community. ASU has changed over the years and love how it continues grow and becoming one of the 2nd biggest schools in the N/E Arkansas. Being from Jonesboro, and the way the community is giving our young kids opportunities to further their education right her at home. The Crest school will help so many in the surrounding area, which I’m looking forward to seeing.
Ending, as ASU family, I will continue serve and do my best by enhancing intellectual growth and continue to enrich lives. Thanks for the nomination,
Tia Wallace:
My name is Tia Wallace, and I serve as Associate Director of Financial Aid at Arkansas State University. My background includes more than 15 years of experience in education, K–12 student support, enrollment services, financial aid, and community engagement. I earned my Associate of Science from A-State and will graduate this spring with my Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership. Outside of work, I am a wife, mom, and a longtime member of the Jonesboro community, which gives me a personal connection to the students, families, and staff we serve.
I am interested in serving on Staff Senate because I care deeply about staff voice, communication, and the employee experience at A-State. Staff members are often the people who keep daily operations moving, support students through difficult moments, and help turn university goals into real service. I believe it is important for staff to feel heard, respected, and connected to decisions that affect their work.
If selected, I would bring a practical, collaborative perspective to Staff Senate. I value transparency, fairness, and problem-solving, and I would work to represent staff concerns in a thoughtful and constructive way. A-State has been an important part of my academic and professional journey, and I would be honored to serve the university community in this role.
Blake Walker:
The main reason I want to serve on staff senate is to advocate for equity and accessibility for my colleagues. Many staff members often feel undervalued and underrepresented at times, and I want to be a voice in changing that.
Vanessa Williams:
Hi, my name is Vanessa Williams, and I am excited to be a candidate for Staff Senate in the Professional/Non-Faculty category. I have been married for 18 years and have two children—a 13-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. Originally from Brazil, I have called Jonesboro home for the past 10 years. I earned my MBA from A-State in 2020 and have worked at the university for over six years.
In my current role as Budget Director for AOS and ITS, I have gained valuable insight into university operations and the importance of cross-departmental collaboration. This experience has strengthened my connection to A-State and inspired my desire to serve.
I am interested in the Staff Senate because I believe strong staff engagement is essential to a thriving university. I am passionate about building stronger connections across campus, improving communication, and breaking down departmental silos. My goal is to help foster an environment where staff feel heard, supported, and empowered to contribute.
Thank you for your consideration. I would be honored to represent and serve our staff community.
Callie Williams:
I have proudly served at Arkansas State University for the past six years and currently work as the Buyer in Procurement Services. In my role, I strive to support the university’s mission by ensuring departments have the resources they need to succeed, while building strong relationships across campus.
I am passionate about serving others and genuinely enjoy connecting with colleagues from all areas of the university. These connections have deepened my appreciation for the diverse roles that contribute to our campus community and inspire me to be more involved.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my fiancée, family, and friends. I also love reading and traveling, which allow me to continue learning and experiencing new perspectives.
I feel truly honored to be nominated for Staff Senate. I am interested in serving because I want to be a voice for my fellow staff members, contribute to a positive and collaborative campus environment, and support initiatives that enhance the overall experience for employees. I am committed to listening, learning, and serving with integrity, and I would value the opportunity to represent and advocate for our staff community.
Jordan Wiseman:
Hello everyone! My name is Jordan Wiseman, and I am proud to call Arkansas State University home—both academically and professionally. I earned my master’s degree in higher education at A-State, and in July 2018, I began my professional journey here as a Financial Aid Counselor, working directly with students to help them navigate one of the most critical aspects of their education.
Since then, I have transitioned to the Treasurer’s Office, broadening my institutional knowledge and strengthening my appreciation for how every area of campus plays a vital role in our shared success. My experience across multiple departments has given me a well-rounded understanding of staff perspectives, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
I am seeking a position on Staff Senate because I genuinely want to serve as a strong, approachable advocate for staff, amplify staff voices, and help foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture. I bring a strong foundation in higher education, a commitment to collaboration, and a passion for empowering the Pack to thrive together.
I believe my experience, dedication, and genuine care for our university community would allow me to make a meaningful contribution as a Staff Senate representative. Thank you for your consideration and support.