2026 Staff Nominations EEO 40 Bios

EEO 40

Misty Adams:

Hi, I am Misty Adams. I have worked in Travel Services as a HEI Program Coordinator since June 2023. I began working at A-State in July 2019 in Athletics as an Administrative Specialist 1, promoted to Administrative Specialist 3 in August 2020, and then to Administrative Analyst in August 2021.

I have been married for 26 years, which reflects my commitment and dedication. I have 2 children, again commitment and dedication, and 2 grandchildren.

I would be honored to serve as your staff representative in the EEO category. I am committed to working hard, volunteering my time, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit both you and A-State.

 

Kelly Ponder:

My name is Kelly Ponder and currently serve a Residence Education Coordinator in University Housing and have been in Student Affairs at Arkansas State University for 25 years. I appreciate the opportunity to possibly serve on the Staff Senate and represent staff who are in the Technical/Para-Professional classification.  If elected, I plan to reach out to the staff I represent to address the issues and challenges that staff encounter. 

 

 

Kaylin Taylor:

My name is Kaylin Taylor, Budget Specialist for the Office of Admissions. I work alongside other departments within the Enrollment Management division, as well as oversee our student workers who interact with and encourage future Redwolves along their journey to A-State. I am a Southeast Missouri State University alum, but I always had a feeling I would find my way back to NEA and the A-State campus. I want to show my gratitude to Arkansas State University for providing a work environment that makes employees feel safe and empowered every day, especially in times when we don't have strong certainty about other aspects of our lives. Where we work is where we spend most of our days, so if we don't feel supported and secure on campus, it's going to be hard for us to feel that way anywhere else. Empowerment, employee confidence, compassion, and transparency are values I like to focus on and bring to our office every day, especially when tensions get high or when people don't feel heard. I know the Staff Senate is full of employees like me who are constantly finding new ways to lift one another up. It would be an honor to have a seat at the table and be an active member who is dedicated to lifting my fellow employees up. 

 

Ana-Liese Torres:

Since stepping into my role as an Access Counselor in August 2025, I've been inspired by the dedication of the staff who keep A-State moving forward. My work is centered on navigating systems to successfully resolve barriers and be a voice for others, a mission that I am eager to extend to my colleagues through Staff Senate. Before my time at A-State, I worked for an organization on the state level where I learned that true representation requires high-level coordination and the tenacity to push through bureaucratic challenges. I understand the importance of efficient workflows as well as person centered planning, which I know will help ensure the workplace remains a supportive environment for everyone. I aim to provide a dynamic voice that is deeply invested in our shared success and steadfast in navigating the challenges that matter most to our staff. By contributing my experience in barrier reduction and collaborative planning, I am ready to serve as a catalyst for intentional impact. I look forward to ensuring our collective voices lead to a more empowering, inclusive, and supportive culture for one another.