2026 Candidate Information
Please review the candidate information below before voting.
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
Name: Rebecca Baird
Position Title: Academic Advisor
Department: Academic Advising
Motivation for Running: Though I have only been at UNI for six months, I have already found this to be an incredibly special place to work! As an Academic Advisor, I'm privileged to uplift students in their vocational discernment and also support them in achieving their academic, professional, and personal goals. I believe serving on the council will allow me to extend that work to P&S Staff members! I am energized and excited about helping contribute to a collaborative workplace and building stronger connections across campus.
Relevant Experience: I have previously worked at Wartburg College, in congregational ministry as a Lutheran pastor, and in K-12 education. In these roles, I have both led and served on a variety of councils and committees, giving me experience in interpreting policies, gathering and sharing feedback, and collaborating in community with others. I always strive to be an active listener, supportive colleague, and advocate for the care of all people. I also believe in the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. My previous experiences, current connections to the various departments I advise, and my perspective as a newer staff member will help me contribute to the council in meaningful ways.
Name: Emma Clinton
Position Title: Financial Aid Counselor Retention and Outreach
Department: Financial Aid
Motivation for Running: I have always believed that the culture at work is what makes the difference between a job you show up to versus a job you enjoy. The culture and my colleagues at UNI are some of the best and I would love to take a more active role in contributing to that. My goal is to deepen my relationships with my peers while contributing my time, ideas, and efforts to the P&S council.
Relevant Experience: I serve as the Retention and Outreach Counselor in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. The nature of my position allows me to regularly collaborate with different offices and individuals across campus as well as organizations outside of UNI. This gives me the opportunity to receive feedback across campus as a whole and gain a deep understanding of issues as they arise. I have previously worked at the PCI Cosmetology School and Iowa State University, where I learned how different higher and continuing education institutions run, giving me a unique perspective to bring to the council. I would be honored to be a part of UNI's P&S Council and am motivated to continue making UNI such a great place to work.
Name: Kimberly Schipper
Position Title: Associate Academic Advisor
Department: Wilson College of Business-Professional Distinction Operations
Motivation for Running: As a two-time graduate of UNI, I hold this campus and community in very high regard. As I celebrate my two-year work anniversary, I am eager to further integrate myself into this community as an official staff representative. I thrive on collaboration and communication, and I believe serving as a member of the P&S Council will allow me to expand my network through meaningful and genuine connections. I would value the opportunity to connect with fellow P&S staff members as we work toward common goals that support and uplift our peers.
Relevant Experience: I graduated from UNI with a bachelor’s degree in English Teaching, during which I served first as an event planner and then as president of my sorority. In these roles, I became familiar with various university policies and procedures from the student point of view. After graduating, I served students across Iowa as a teacher, mentor, and coach before returning to UNI to earn a master’s degree in Post-Secondary Education: Student Affairs. These experiences prepared me to be a careful listener and thoughtful contributor in conversations focused on better serving others and improving their experiences. In my current role as an advisor, I bring a valuable perspective on how university policies and procedures impact staff responsibilities, and I believe I would be a supportive and effective addition to the Council.
Name: Ashley Smith
Position Title: Professional Readiness Program Coordinator
Department: Wilson College of Business-Professional Distinction Operations
Motivation for Running: I am motivated to pursue this opportunity because I am passionate about building meaningful connections, strengthening community partnerships, and contributing to a mission-driven organization. Throughout my time at UNI, I have developed a deep appreciation for collaboration across departments and the impact that strong relationships can have on both organizational success and individual growth. I am excited about the opportunity to bring people together, enhance engagement, and help drive initiatives that create lasting, positive change. I believe my ability to connect with others, think strategically, and stay committed to shared goals would allow me to make a meaningful contribution in this role.
Relevant Experience: I currently serve in a role that has allowed me to build strong relationships, support student and organizational success, and navigate complex systems within a higher education environment. Through my work, I have developed skills in communication, problem-solving, and collaboration, while consistently demonstrating reliability and a willingness to take initiative. I have experience working with diverse populations, managing responsibilities that require attention to detail and organization, and contributing to projects that support both short-term goals and long-term growth. I am confident that my experience, combined with my drive to learn and grow, positions me well to contribute effectively. I am currently at the end of my MBA program with certifications in Business Communication and Leadership from the University of Iowa. I am also a Gallup Strengths Certified Coach which helps me significantly in all roles.
Name: Ari Sullivan
Position Title: Academic Advisor
Department: Communication and Media
Motivation for Running: I have always felt that a crucial part of career/workplace satisfaction is the dedication to creating and maintaining a sense of trust among peers. Part of this trust includes a sense of community and belonging. It would be a great honor to help strengthen this notion among Northern Iowa P&S staff. Additionally, I look forward to this opportunity to gain knowledge about University systems/procedures that continue to improve existing structures while producing new ideas to further success and satisfaction across departments. As a member of Northern Iowa since 2020- first as an undergraduate student, then a graduate student, and now in a professional role in the Department of Communication and Media- the chance to collaborate with peers across departments and gain a better understanding of the University as a whole is exciting!
Relevant Experience: As an advisor, I have the opportunity to demonstrate my workplace values by establishing trust with my advisees and creating a comfortable environment to grow and learn. During my time as a graduate student, I studied organizational communication which helped develop my value of being intentional with my processes and communication as a leader and as a peer. Additionally, I have experience working collaboratively in the Cedar Falls community on various functions and events.
Name: Ashley Thomazin
Position Title: Customer Service Specialist
Department: Registrar's Office
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 understand the importance of attention to detail when interpreting policies and ensuring their accurate implementation and communication. In this role, I collaborate with colleagues to provide guidance, maintain accurate records, and support student success through effective service and problem-solving. I currently serve as a SAPA Cohort Representative in my graduate program, acting as a liaison between the Graduate College and my cohort. I facilitate communication, support professional development opportunities, and work with program coordinators to address student concerns. Additionally, my experience serving on a council has strengthened my ability to contribute to shared governance, engage in collaborative decision-making, and represent my peers' perspectives. During my undergraduate studies, I served as a student supervisor in Housing and Dining, where I supported policy implementation and student development.
PRESIDENT'S OFFICE
Name: Shanda Davis
Position Title: Academic Advisor
Department: Athletics Administration
Motivation for Running: I have been attending P&S Council meetings as a proxy for a short time and more recently have taken over that role for another individual in my office. I wanted to get more involved in policy and procedure and knew being a part of P&S Council would be a great way for me to do just that. I want to be a positive voice for P&S Staff and will strive to support policies, procedures, and issues that make us proud of being UNI employees.
Relevant Experience: I have been an employee of UNI for just about 6.5 years and started in the Registrar's Office as a Clerk IV. I have been in Athletics for 2.5 years now and completed my master's degree in Student Affairs which broadened my knowledge on how a university (like UNI) functions and what is required for overall well-being within the workplace. Within these roles, I have had the opportunity to meet and cultivate relationships with staff across several departments which I've truly enjoyed. I am also currently a part of the CVLI cohort which has increased my desire to serve more locally.
Name: Matt Gordon
Position Title: Information Technology Specialist
Department: IT-Client Services
Motivation for Running: We live in a challenging time for UNI. We have declining budgets and increasing demands on our P&S staff. I think that we need to increase staff activism, and have our voices heard and ideas taken into consideration. The Council is currently the only vehicle that we have to do that.
Relevant Experience: I am a former President of the P&S Council, along with being a former chair for the Salary and Benefits committee.
Student Life
Name: Megan Cahalan
Position Title: Health Promotion Coordinator
Department: Student Health Clinic
Motivation for Running: One of my strengths is building meaningful connections and collaborating with others to inspire motivation and contribute to goals larger than myself. I view this opportunity as a valuable way to gain insight from colleagues while also supporting the growth and success of the P&S staff at the university. In my role as a Health Promotion Coordinator and Wellness Coach at Student Wellness Services, I bring a unique perspective grounded in empathy. This allows me to help others identify solutions and develop effective strategies that support positive change.
Relevant Experience: I have served as the Health Promotion Coordinator in Student Wellness Services for the past three years. In this role, I facilitate workshops and programs to promote health and well-being across campus. I coordinate events and have expanded partnerships with campus and community organizations to support students, staff, and faculty. Additionally, I work one-on-one with students to help them achieve their personal goals. I also supervise our student staff. Beyond my primary responsibilities, I served on the Healthy Campus Coalition for two years, contributing to initiatives that promote well-being on campus. I currently serve on the Biennial Review Committee, where I collaborate with colleagues to evaluate initiatives, establish goals, and ensure the completion of important tasks. Lastly, I serve on the Social Media Affinity Committee to share helpful tips and resources for departments to strengthen their social media presence. These experiences have strengthened my ability to think critically and work collaboratively.
Name: Mariam Muda
Position Title: Residence Life Coordinator
Department: Housing and Dining Administration
Motivation for Running: I am passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals thrive and feel heard. Through my work in student affairs and residential life, I have noticed how policies and practices directly impact people's experiences. I am motivated to serve as a voice that listens, represents and actively works to enhance the experiences of P&S Staff. Serving on the P&S Council would allow me to contribute significantly and meaningfully to current and future initiatives that enhance P&S Staff's well-being, professional development and engagement.
Relevant Experience: My professional experience in admissions office and residence life has equipped me with strong skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and community building. I have managed complex situations that required thoughtful decision-making, clear communication, and the ability to balance multiple perspectives, skills that are directly transferable to the duties I may perform as part of the P&S Council. Through my graduate studies and practical experience, I have developed a strong foundation in organizational leadership and the dynamics of higher education institutions. I have facilitated conversations, addressed concerns within teams, and worked to create environments where individuals feel respected and valued. Additionally, my experience collaborating with diverse groups of students and colleagues has strengthened my ability to advocate effectively, listen intentionally, and contribute to solutions that reflect the needs of a broader community.
AT-LARGE
Name: Kristi Wagner
Position Title: Business Manager
Department: Facilities Management
Motivation for Running: I follow and appreciate the work of the P&S Council. The 150th anniversary messages have led me to reflect on my own time as a student and employee at UNI and to ask myself what I can do to serve the campus community. Stepping up to support the P&S staff feels like the right place to start.
Relevant Experience: A P&S staff member for nearly nine years, I have supported the Metal Casting and Foundry 4.0 Centers and currently serve in Facilities Management. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for the vital, varied work our P&S community performs daily. I specialize in monitoring, budgeting, and analyzing data to drive informed decision-making. I will bring analytical rigor and a common-sense perspective to the Council. I am committed to considering all viewpoints to ensure our collective contributions are recognized, supported, and impactful.