Category: Shared Governance

Anne Marie Brown has spent eight years supporting the School of Music as an administrative specialist and six years serving on Staff Senate. She’s motivated by the chance to help make Wichita State an even better place to work, using her role to amplify staff voices, build connections and collaborate with colleagues who care deeply about positive change. She loves the people who make WSU special – students, faculty and staff – and enjoys being involved across campus through Staff Senate, the College of Fine Arts Staff Council and the WSU Spark Society.

Outside of work, Anne Marie finds joy in her three cats, time with family and creative hobbies like reading, quilting and glass fusing. She wants others to know that every day at WSU brings something new, and she takes pride in helping make those challenges and opportunities successful.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Staff Senate is introducing Listening Sessions this spring as a new initiative designed to strengthen connection, communication and support for staff across campus. These sessions are an opportunity to engage in open dialogue, share ideas, raise questions and discuss topics that impact your work and experience at Wichita State.

The goal is to create a more intentional space for staff voices to be heard and to connect with colleagues and staff senators in a collaborative setting.

Join the Staff Senate at one of the following dates:

• 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 in 301 Rhatigan Student Center, Gridley Room
• 2-3 p.m. Thursday, March 12 in 203 RSC, Lancelot Room
• 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, March 23 in 301 RSC, Gridley Room
• 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, April 15 in 262 RSC, Herrman Room

Learn more about Staff Senate at wichita.edu/staffsenate.

Monica Bergkamp serves as a first year advisor for the College of Engineering through OneStop Student Services and has been part of Wichita State since 2020. After a year and a half on Staff Senate, she values the opportunity to bring concerns and ideas directly to the people who can help create positive change – or provide clarity when change isn’t possible. She appreciates many aspects of working at WSU, especially the outstanding service from the post office and library, as well as the leadership of Aaron Hamilton and Kylie Johnson, whom she considers exceptional supervisors.

Monica finds joy in the moments that keep her grounded and energized, like a perfect sunny run, a good book, meditation and the occasional black and white cookie from XO Desserts. Running and mindfulness help her maintain balance, while reading offers an escape. As the university navigates a challenging season shaped by budget cuts, she wants the campus community to know that Staff Senate is fully aware of the concerns many are feeling. Senators are working hard – every meeting and every day – to listen, advocate and support staff through the changes ahead.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

John Keckeisen serves as the office coordinator for the Department of History and has been part of Wichita State for just over seven years. In his seven months on Staff Senate, he has been motivated by a desire to advocate for his fellow staff members and serve as a bridge between employees and university leadership. He values the opportunity to represent staff perspectives and help ensure their voices are heard. One of his favorite parts of working at WSU is the daily interaction with a diverse mix of students and faculty — no two days look the same, and that variety keeps his work engaging and energizing.

John finds joy in life’s simple comforts, especially that first cup of coffee in the morning — and the next few that follow. Outside of work, he is deeply involved in Wichita’s theatre community, performing at Mosley Street Melodrama, Roxy’s Downtown and MTWichita. Theatre fuels his creativity, while his role on Staff Senate fuels his commitment to supporting colleagues across campus.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Courtney Henry serves as a Human Resources business partner in WSU’s Human Resources office, supporting the Division of Industry and Defense Programs. In her nearly two years at Wichita State – including six months on Staff Senate – she has been motivated by a desire to help employees feel supported, connected and engaged with the broader campus community. Serving on Staff Senate allows her to strengthen those relationships and advocate for the needs of the staff she works with every day. She loves being part of WSU because of the people and the purpose, calling it the best job she’s ever had. Watching the innovation and industry partnerships within the division, as well as seeing students achieve their goals through applied learning, makes her work especially meaningful.

Courtney finds joy in both the big and small moments of life – watching her children reach their goals, spending time with her husband, staying connected with friends and playing with her three dogs. Reading is her favorite way to unwind, offering a chance to unplug and explore new ideas. She hopes the campus community remembers that Staff Senators are here to listen, support and advocate. Whether attending a meeting or reaching out directly, she encourages staff to think of their senators as a resource and a partner in navigating their work at WSU.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Kennedy Rogers has spent nine years helping shape the student experience at Wichita State, serving as the director of Strengths, Leadership and Student Impact and the interim director of Belonging and Experiences. A mentor first encouraged her to join Staff Senate, and five years later – now as past-president – she continues to value the insight, connection and purpose that come from contributing to the campus community. She loves working at WSU because it allows her to serve students alongside incredible colleagues while doing work that feels intentional and meaningful.

Kennedy finds joy in watching people light up – feeling connected, inspired, valued and aligned with their strengths. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, creative projects, puzzles, time outdoors, traveling and cheering on her kids in their activities. She encourages the campus community to plug in and get engaged, reminding everyone that while some things in higher education are outside our control, our influence grows when we show up, connect and lean into our gifts.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Nominations are now being accepted for two university-wide at-large seats for the Faculty Senate to serve a two-year term starting in the 2026-27 academic year. University-wide at-large senators represent the faculty of the entire university, not just a specific college or division. The Faculty Senate meets twice-a-month during the regular academic year from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

All faculty are eligible for nominations including current senators whose term expires this year. Use the Qualtrics survey sent earlier this week or submit your nomination directly to Roy Myose, Faculty Senate vice president, at roy.myose@wichita.edu before 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13. Self-nominations are strongly encouraged. Your participation is essential to a fair and inclusive process of shared governance.

The next University Staff Senate (USS) meeting is scheduled from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 in 142 Rhatigan Student Center, Harvest Room, or online via Microsoft Teams. All USS meetings are open to the Wichita State campus community.

Learn more about University Staff Senate, access meeting links and review previous meeting minutes on the Staff Senate website.

Angela Linder has been part of Wichita State for 25 years and serves as the office manager in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. She has spent 15 years in Classified Senate and five years as a USS Representative, driven by a deep passion to serve. Her Air Force background instilled in her a commitment to protect, support and uplift others, and she feels honored to represent her WSU family. Angela finds great joy in working at a highly respected university and takes pride in belonging to a community she has called home for a quarter of a century.

Outside of work, Angela loves roller skating and spending time with her grandkids, two things that bring her energy and happiness. She has truly enjoyed her years in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, especially the opportunity to serve students and help them navigate their educational journey. Angela hopes the campus community remembers that no matter what challenges come their way, they will get through them together.

Senator Spotlights are a community initiative to support the mission of the Staff Senate. Contact Staff Senate if you don’t know your Senate representative.

Faculty Senate and Staff Senate are jointly sponsoring Love on the Locker, an effort to support the Kiah Duggins Shocker Support Locker during these challenging times, in collaboration with the Wichita State University Police Department. This is not a competition, but a collective opportunity for faculty and staff to come together in support of students, faculty and staff.

The shared goal between the senates is to raise 2,000 donated items or $1,000 in monetary donations through combined faculty and staff participation.

Donations will be accepted through Feb. 13. In-kind donations may be dropped off at the University Police Department or at various collection locations across WSU:

• Student Engagement & Belonging in 216 Rhatigan Student Center
• Business Student Success Center in 129 Woolsey Hall
• Financial Aid or OneStop in Jardine Hall
• College of Health Professions Dean’s Office on the fourth floor of Ahlberg Hall
• Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office on the second floor of Lindquist Hall
• College of Applied Studies Deans Office in Corbin Education Center
• College of Engineering Dean’s Office in Partnership Building 2
• Fine Arts Advising Center on the third floor of the McKnight Arts Center
• Ablah Library Circulation Desk
• Student Government Association in 219 RSC
• Hughes Metropolitan Complex
• First floor of Wallace Hall
• WSU Old Town

Non-perishable items supporting basic needs — such as hygiene and cleaning supplies, family items, pantry staples, and microwave-ready meals — are especially needed. If donating money, be sure to designate yourself as faculty/staff when donating.