Any idea who represents you on Staff Council? The feedback we’ve received suggests that many University staff members would answer “no.” The Councilor Spotlight series is intended to introduce new Council members and how they serve the University on Staff Council. Why would you want to contact your representative? They can elevate your concerns or ideas, help you find information, and connect you with resources across campus. Click here to find your representative.
Eric Schnedler is an IT Support Consultant for the University of Iowa, serving the Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Vice President of General Counsel, Vice President of External Relations, and various university related organizations. He represents the University function of Information Technology Services on Staff Council. Eric has been part of the University for more than 20 years and has become an involved Staff Council member by serving on the Community Outreach and University Relations Committees.
When asked what Eric hopes to learn or achieve while serving on Staff Council, he responded, “By getting involved, I’m looking forward to picking up some great development opportunities and having a hand in shaping decisions and policies that impact everyone on campus. I’m also excited to connect with colleagues from different parts of the organization, grow my network, and help build a stronger workplace community.”
Some additional Q&A with Eric:
Q: What inspires you?
A: Being part of a community and feeling like I belong really inspires me to give back and make a difference. When I feel appreciated and supported, it pushes me to contribute and make a positive impact. Working together with others towards shared goals makes my efforts feel more impactful and meaningful. Knowing that I’m part of something bigger motivates me to use my skills and resources to help out, strengthening connections and uplifting the community.
Q: What is something you do outside of work for fun?
A: Hanging out with family and friends outside of work really adds joy and balance to my life. Whether it's doing fun activities with my kids, like sports or other hobbies, or just enjoying games and chats with friends, these times give me a nice break from work and boost my overall happiness.
Q: If you could have any superhero power, what would it be and why?
A: If I could pick a superhero power, I'd go with telepathy. It would make decision-making way easier by letting me instantly share thoughts and ideas with others. I'd get a better grasp of different perspectives, leading to smarter and more understanding choices. Plus, being able to read people's minds would help me really understand their intentions and concerns, making communication and teamwork smoother in all areas of life.
Learn more about our other new Councilors and the latest news for University staff in our newsletter articles here.