The nominations are in, and the inaugural class of the College of Sciences Staff Advisory Council has been selected. Its members are preparing to attend their first virtual meeting later in September.

According to its mission statement, the Staff Advisory Council represents and advocates for the diverse collective body of staff within the College and interacts directly with the Dean of the College of Sciences. The Council serves as a liaison between the staff and College leadership, providing an avenue for a significant contribution of staff expertise. The Council aims to use these perspectives to provide recommendations to the Dean of the College, as well as to inform leadership members within each independent school regarding staff matters.

Following is a list of the members of the Staff Advisory Council, their titles, which College of Sciences unit they represent, and why they wanted to join the Council:

Emma Blandford, Assistant Director of Living Learning Communities, Dean’s Office:

“As a member of the council I would work to learn about the wide variety of positions, responsibilities, and needs of the professionals across our college. I am also interested to serve in a way that allows folks to be more than who they are at work, to introduce holistic wellness opportunities and connections to inclusive programming in order to support the whole-person experience.

Paula Ewers, Faculty Support Coordinator, School of Biological Sciences:

“Throughout my years of experience in the College of Sciences I have identified areas of opportunity and areas of success, and I would love to assist in building a stronger culture. I want to give back to this amazing college and provide feedback where I can.”

Shantel Floyd, Research Administrative Manager, School of Chemistry & Biochemistry:

“Serving on this council will enable me to stay connected with activities that will help my fellow staff members in both education and the working environment, and to help with collaborations and open communication channels throughout all levels of the University. I will also have the opportunity to actively participate and contribute to conversations and solutions about the goals of the campus community.”

Susan Harris, Financial Administrator, School of Chemistry & Biochemistry:

“I have 30-plus years working with sponsored project funding. I have 10-plus years working in academic units with faculty and administration teams. I have a deep respect for the process and want everything to be done within policy. I am hoping this team would be able to help identify and address concerns in their departments, and we can help make Georgia Tech a better place for all.”

Chung Kim, Academic Program Coordinator, School of Biological Sciences:

“I believe that by being part of the College of Sciences Staff Advisory Council, I would play an important role in building bonds among the staff, faculty, and administration. If given an opportunity, I would be glad to contribute my time and efforts in making a positive difference for the College and its schools.”

Gary Longstreet, Academic Program Manager, School of Physics:

“With more than 20 years in higher education, I will a very diverse background having worked for both public and private universities. I understand the needs of staff and the valuable role we play at all different levels. With everything happening in the world today, it is vital that staff be heard, supported, appreciated, and understood that we make things happen at the Institute and beyond.”

Leah Marzo, Assistant to the Chair, School of Mathematics:

“I would like to opportunity to service on the College of Sciences Staff Advisory Council because I would put the interests of the workers above my own. I believe that I am a team player, and would work to the best of my abilities to ensure that the voices of the staff members are represented.”

Erin Nagle, Faculty Affairs Administrative Manager, Dean’s Office:

“Outside of our evolving national issues, college staff are facing multiple challenges on a routine basis right here on campus. Processes are frequently changing and newness has been our constant companion. It is difficult to keep up with our changing local environment and also keep on top of important work endeavors. I feel that strengthening our sense of community and support network within the college is our most powerful tool in facing ongoing challenges.”

Alison Onstine, Laboratory Manager, School of Biological Sciences:

“I see the amazing efforts already underway to bring voice to staff within the College and am eager to bring my skills to benefit these initiatives. Staff at Georgia Tech, in my experience, are challenging to unite as a group because of their disparate roles within the Institute. Due to our new social distancing challenges, there is more urgency than ever for staff to come together and build the community necessary to effectively be heard by administration.”

Chinneta Pettaway, Faculty Support Coordinator, School of Mathematics:

“I'm interested in serving on the College of Sciences Staff Advisory Council to help bring awareness and understanding to issues occurring on the school level. I'd like to advocate for the staff in the schools to help improve a safe and healthy work environment for everyone regardless of race, color, or creed. Importantly, we need to add to an effective communication avenue between management and staff. This will allow staff members to feel comfortable speaking about problems without fear of being reprimanded.”

Ruth Pierre, Academic Program Coordinator, School of Chemistry & Biochemistry:

“I want to be involved with the Collee of Sciences Staff Advisory Council to help bring about positive change. I want to be a voice of changes that affect policy and procedures for staff. We are in critical times and need people who can represent diverse viewpoints across a broad spectrum of topics. I would like the opportunity to work with other staff to create productive and positive outcomes.”

Renay San Miguel, Communications Officer, Dean’s Office:

“The College of Sciences has been very good to me. As a staff member, I've appreciated the kindnesses extended to me by administrators and other staff members. I want to pay it forward by assisting the Advisory Council as it helps staff deal with day-to-day and long-range goals and challenges.”

Kathy Sims-McDaniel, Development Assistant, Dean’s Office: 

“I believe the combination of my education and experience will make me a highly motivated addition to the Staff Advisory Council. I would like to serve on the Council because I feel I can be an advocate for our colleagues, and can work collectively with fellow council members as a vehicle for positive change.”

John Wallom, Information Technology Professional Manager, Academic and Research Computing Services (ARCS):

“I have always stepped up to voice my concerns when staff are in need, or are not being taken into consideration. The staff of the College of Sciences needs to have people who will be an advocate for them and I believe that I am someone who can definitely fill that role.”

Casey Whitt, Financial Administrator, School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences:

“I want to serve on the College of Sciences Staff Advisory Council because I believe that I can represent the opinions of the staff in a fair and impartial manner and assist the council to relate ideas and solutions that will assist the department to grow as a team with the college administrators.”