Staff Council

The College of Education Staff Council recognizes the COE staff as an integral and important part of the College. The Council shall serve as a representative body of the staff of the College with the primary purpose of contributing to the mission and vision of the College of Education and to facilitate the integration of staff voice in matters of the College that affect or are of importance to staff.

The College of Education Staff Council will not replace existing College lines of reporting. The Staff Council is not intended to be a forum for personal grievances or complaints, but rather a proactive organization dedicated to fostering communication and cohesiveness within the College.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Serve in an advisory role to the Dean and College Leadership Council in matters affecting staff.
2. Serve as a clearinghouse for issues and concerns of the staff at large.
3. Promote a positive and supportive work environment for all members of the College staff.
4. Facilitate communication among staff and between staff, faculty, and administrators.
5. Facilitate collaboration, mentoring, professional development, and knowledge sharing among the staff, faculty, and administrators.
6. Promote equity and enhance the visibility and strengthen the voice of staff within the College.

In order to carry out these duties and responsibilities, the COE Staff Council will:

1. Schedule and conduct monthly meetings or called meetings, as needed.
2. Conduct elections each fall.
3. Keep minutes and records of all Staff Council meetings and circulate these to the Dean and all staff.
4. Communicate with and meet with the entire staff as needed.
5. Meet with the Dean and/or the Senior Associate Dean as needed.

Membership

Membership will represent all exempt and non-exempt full-time and part-time staff in the College. The College of Education Staff Council is made up of one standing appointment (Director of Financial Affairs) and nine elected staff members to include a chair, a chair-elect, and a secretary. The chair-elect will serve as chair the following year. The ten-member Staff Council will be formed by one representative from each of the six departments (C&I, ELPTS, ESPRMC, Kinesiology, Music Education, and SPEMA), three at-large representatives from all offices not affiliated with a department (Dean’s Office, Student Services & Certification, Clinical Experiences, and Outreach and Support Services including In-Service Center, Office of International Programs, Office of Research and Service, and Technology Support), and the Director of Financial Affairs. Elected members will serve a staggered two-year term to begin in January each year. Members can be re-elected when terms expire.

Each department in the College will conduct an internal election process for their Staff Council representative. A Staff Council election among all other College of Education staff not affiliated with a department will be conducted for the three at-large members. The Dean’s Office Operations Coordinator will conduct the election in the same manner as other College-wide elections starting with a ballot strike opportunity followed by emailed ballots. One staff member from each of the six categories below will be elected to fill the six at-large seats:

1. Dean’s Office, Office of International Programs, and Technology Support Services
2. Student Services and Certification
3. Clinical Experiences
4. Office of Research and Service
5. In-Service Center
6. Office of Evaluation

To ensure full College representation, a fourth at-large member may also be appointed by the Dean. The Director of Financial Affairs will represent the Staff Council on the College’s Leadership Council. Adopted by College of Education Leadership Council November 6, 2014.

Members

• Melinda Alsobrook

  Office of Clinical Experiences (2023-2025)

  

• Elizabeth Bailey, Chair

  Department of Music Education (2021-2024)

  

• Lori Burroughs

  Office of Financial Affairs (standing)

  

• Margie Carroll

  Office of Student Services (2023-2025)

  

• Michelle Estes

  Dean’s Office (2023-2025)

  

• Kim Easterwood

  Department of Kinesiology (2021-2024)

  

• Becca Langford

  Department of Curriculum and Instruction (2020-2023)

  

• Carina Larbig

  Events Coordinator (standing)

  

• Renita Lewis

  Office of Research and Service (2023-2026)

  

• Danesha Prewitt

  Department of Educational Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling (2021-2024)

  

• Dr. Carlton McHargh

  At-large Dean’s Appointment

  

• Tracie Sellers

  Technology Support (2023-2025)

  

• Kellcie Temple

  Adapted Athletics (2021-2023)

  

• Tara Turner

  Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies (2023-2025)

  

• Tamela Wilson

  Department of Special Education and Multiple Abilities (2020-2023)

  

• Vacant

  Inservice Center (2021-2024)

  

• Vacant

  Office of Evaluation (2020-2023)

  

Staff Council Professional Excellence Recognition Awards 

Due February 1 each year.

Staff Criteria:

• Minimum of 2 years employment in the College of Education by 12/31 of the year preceding the nominations
• Must be a current employee of the College of Education as of 3/15 in the year of nominations
• All staff including part-time, full-time, temporary, and permanent employees are eligible

Award Criteria:  The awards will be based on the employee’s outstanding professional performance and contributions to the College.  This can include any or all of the following attributes:

• Loyalty, dedication & service to the College
• Contribution to the mission of the College
• Professional achievement
• Community building
• Professionalism
• Innovation
• Commitment to self improvement via professional development

Nomination Process:  Prepare a letter of nomination (or self nomination) addressing the staff member’s outstanding performance and contributions to the College including any or all of the award criteria attributes.  Send letter to the Staff Council Chairperson.