2025 Candidate Information
Please review the candidate information below before voting.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Name: Sam Pfab Hospodarsky
Position Title: Assistant Director
Department: Student Success and Retention
Motivation for Running: We do our best work when we come together and I see this as a great opportunity to continue collaborating with colleagues across campus. My goal is to increase engagement within this community, contribute my time and energy to supporting P&S staff members, and build stronger relationships with my peers. It would be an honor to contribute to making UNI an even better place to work.
Relevant Experience: I've served in various roles in the Office of Student Success & Retention—first as a graduate assistant, then as a temporary full-time employee, and mostly recently as a P&S staff member. These experiences have given me insight into the UNI employee experience, deepened my understanding of the university's systems, and reinforced my commitment to the well-being of those who work here. Additionally, I worked at Wartburg College prior to my time at UNI which gives me experience with different institutional structures, further allowing me to make meaningful contributions to the council.
Name: Keith Sayles
Position Title: Director Upward Bound
Department: Educational Opportunity Program
Motivation for Running: I am interested in learning more about the policies and procedures of the University of Northern Iowa. This position will enable me to gather, model, and share information across my program, department, and community.
Relevant Experience: With over 25 years of experience in higher education, I remain informed about common employment issues and concerns. My work location in Waterloo enables me to ensure that UNI maintains a consistent presence in the Waterloo community. I currently holds two associate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management and a Master of Business Administration. I am currently a third-year Ph.D. student in education with a concentration in higher education leadership and management. I am involved in Iowa TRiO and is a member of the current MILE cohort. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and have strong family ties throughout the state of Iowa.
Name: Ashley Thomazin
Position Title: Customer Service Specialist
Department: Registrar
Motivation for Running: This is an incredible opportunity for me to further develop my leadership skills while contributing to the improvement of the professional well-being of P&S staff. I enjoy working with a wide variety of individuals to create a positive and cohesive collaboration of communication across all different departments on campus. I value initiatives to improve workplace culture and inclusivity. I want to contribute to the continuous improvement of workplace policies to provide a happier, healthier, and more productive environment while understanding one's work-life balance.
Relevant Experience: As a current Customer Service Specialist in the Registrar's Office, I am aware of the importance of detail in interpreting policies with proper implementation and communication with others. My current role allows me to advocate, coordinate, and counsel my colleagues to assist in providing invaluable guidance, record-keeping, and customer service in support of student success. I currently serve as a SAPA Cohort Representative in my Graduate program. This opportunity allows me to serve as a liaison between the Graduate college and my cohort. I provide strong communication, professional development opportunities, and address any concerns students may have by working with my program coordinators. During my undergrad, I served as a student supervisor in Housing and Dining for three years. I advocated for, updated, and implemented policies that have supported the students that I supervised within their academic and professional roles.
PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Name: Robert Green
Position Title: Web Developer
Department: IT-Client Services
Motivation for Running: Active as a past P&S Council Member, would love to get reconnected with what's happening with P&S.
Relevant Experience: I have a very good handle on policy development and analysis from my time as mayor, as well as a strong grasp of parliamentary procedure and effective meeting participation.
AT-LARGE
Name: Susan Basye
Position Title: Assistant Director Administration and Planning
Department: Library
Motivation for Running: I've been attending P&S Council meetings when I can and have witnessed the care and concern the group has for P&S staff on campus. I would like to support and serve the needs of this employee group through the council. We provide professional contributions and this council is an important way to keep this in the forefront on campus.
Relevant Experience: I have been a member of the Library's administrative team since 2005, working with HR, strategic planning, organizational development, and coordinating the facility and space. I spent 10 of my almost 30 years at UNI as a Merit employee as well so I bring a unique perspective to the group. I have experience evaluating issues and topics from the 30,000 foot view and also from the 1,000 foot view to assist the library in moving forward with an initiative or other area.