As my term as Staff Council President comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past year with deep gratitude. Serving in this role has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time at the University of Iowa. It has given me the opportunity to listen, learn, and advocate on behalf of the thousands of staff members who keep this institution running every day.

Over the past year in particular, I’ve been reminded again and again that the strength of our University lies in its people. Staff across campus show up each day with dedication, creativity, and resilience—supporting students, advancing research, caring for patients, and ensuring the smooth operation of our many units. They are the steady hands behind the scenes—the problem-solvers and connectors who keep our mission moving forward. No role is too small, and no contribution is insignificant.

This year, Staff Council focused on recognizing staff contributions, elevating staff voices, and strengthening connections across campus. We expanded the Staff Appreciation Grant to support departments and teams in celebrating their staff, and we partnered with the new Medical Center Downtown to highlight the important work being done there. We also created more opportunities for open conversation through Councilor Corner sessions, providing space for connection, dialogue, and shared understanding.

We strengthened engagement across campus, with a record number of volunteer activities led by council members—demonstrating the deep commitment staff have not only to the University, but also to the broader Iowa City community. At the same time, we increased communication and transparency by expanding our visibility through The Loop and our newsletter, helping more staff stay informed about the work being done on their behalf.

Advocacy remained central to our efforts. We worked with campus partners to improve the performance review process so it better supports staff growth and development. We also built stronger partnerships across campus to ensure Staff Council has a meaningful voice in conversations that shape the staff experience. In addition, we made a concerted effort to highlight the full picture of what it means to work at a public institution like ours—lifting up total rewards, including benefits, flexibility, stability, and long-term investment.

Over the past two decades, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this institution. The University is more than where I work—it is my home. It’s where I’ve built a career, found a community in which to raise my children, and developed a deep sense of purpose.

It has been an honor to serve in this role and to represent the remarkable staff community at the University of Iowa. Thank you for the trust you placed in me this past year. I look forward to continuing to work alongside all of you as we support the mission and future of this incredible institution.

Highlights:

1. Fostering Belonging and Recognition

• Launched the Staff Appreciation Grant, providing funding to departments to recognize staff through events, team-building activities, and appreciation initiatives. The grant recipients will also be celebrated the institutional awards ceremony at Hancher.
• Highlighted lesser-known employee benefits to increase awareness and appreciation of total rewards and help recruit and retain staff.
• Achieved a record newsletter open rate, improving staff engagement and connection to campus initiatives.
• Celebrated a record number of staff volunteer hours, demonstrating a strong culture of community engagement and service.

2. Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Well-Being

• Participated in Civic Dialogue sessions to create space for open, respectful conversations on important topics. 

• Explored Opportunities to create safe, respectful spaces for staff conversations​

• Initiated discussions on well –being and workplace culture initiatives​

• Connected with Organizational Effectiveness to align future efforts ​

3. Investing in Professional Growth and Retention

• Partnered with University HR to enhance the performance review process and website, improving clarity, usability, and alignment with policy.
• Facilitated ongoing discussions on career advancement and review practices with HR leadership.
• Hosted presentations on salary policies, career pathways, and total compensation, helping staff make more informed career decisions. 

4. Enhancing Communication & Transparency

• Established Council Corner as a dedicated forum during meetings to gather and elevate staff feedback, concerns, and ideas.
• Strengthened communication channels by sharing staff concerns with university leadership, including UIHC and other key units.
• Improved visibility of Staff Council through presentations (e.g., Town Hall) and follow-up engagement opportunities such as Q&A sessions.
• Launched a Staff Council page on The Loop, increasing access to updates, resources, and announcements for UIHC staff. 

• Hosted presentations with HR and General Counsel to improve understanding and transparency ​

5. Building Strategic Partnerships for Impact

• Partnered with leadership across units (e.g., UIHC, OSC) to elevate staff feedback and drive action on key issues, including participating in the creation of a new strategic plan.
• Worked with campus partners to expand engagement opportunities, including adding Medical Campus Downtown as a Discover Your University destination.
• Represented efforts on campus such as Career Pathways Framework Advisory Panel, Rewards and Recognition Committee​, Well-Being and Mental Health Campus Collaborative​, Executive Leadership Academy-Higher Education​, and more.