Meet Heather Mineart, vice-president/President Elect of UI Staff Council.  Heather has been a member of the UI community for 19 years serving in capacity of both a Merit staff member as well as a Professional and Scientific staff member. She works in the Department of Physics & Astronomy as the Assistant to the Departmental Executive Officer.  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband Nathan and two son’s Cade and Rhys, watching their various sporting events and activities. 

Ted Potter, Staff Council Communications Committee Chairperson recently sat down with Heather to learn more about her Staff Council experiences to date and plans for her term as President starting in June.

You’ve been on Staff Council for nearly four years and now you’re Vice President / President-Elect.  What drives you to serve as a Councilor and a leader?

My time on staff council has been a whirlwind! I got involved in Staff Council because I strongly believe in the mission of the University and know that staff play an integral role in fulfilling that mission. I’ve learned and experienced so much, and Staff Council has been an amazing conduit serving as a positive influence on so many levels; on campus, in the community, and across the state, including the State Capitol.

What have you learned in your time on the Executive Committee about shared governance and its effect on the University of Iowa?

I’ve learned how shared governance is embedded in all aspects of the University’s decision-making processes. Staff, faculty and student representatives all have a ‘seat at the table’ when it comes to decision making and promoting best policies and practices.

Last year I served for the first time as an at-large member on the Executive Committee and had the opportunity to meet with upper administration on a regular basis and to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals across campus and on the Executive Committee who, like me, represent staff across the university. Hearing the issues and concerns that affect staff and being able to be represent and advocate has been a great honor.

What are your aspirations for Staff Council during your year as President?

As we approach the new council year and I start my term as President, I’ve done a lot of thinking about my aspirations for the new year, but don’t want to lose sight of many of the goals/initiatives that our wonderful past presidents have embraced. As a first-generation college student completing my MBA last year and understanding the importance of an education and professional development, I fully support the initiative that current Staff Council President Mike Weaver is working on to request an increase in funds for the University of Iowa’s Tuition Assistance Program for eligible staff and faculty.

I also would like to continue the momentum and conversations about the efforts to represent all staff across campus and see what pathways are available for merit staff to have a greater voice in shared governance on campus.

My hope is to facilitate clear pathways for staff to succeed and advance in their careers through professional development and leadership opportunities, as well as through succession planning. Our University has amazing staff that have the values, skills and desire to advance the University’s Strategic Plan.

What is the most rewarding aspect of serving UI staff on Staff Council?

The most rewarding aspect of serving on UI staff council is the people I have worked with and met across campus that share the same excitement and dedication to promote collaboration, diversity, and recognition of staff.