Staff Council

2023-2024

President, Ed Wirthwein, wirthwein@ucmo.edu

Vice President,  Carol Knight, cknight@ucmo.edu 

Secretary, Rae Clements,  clements@ucmo.edu 

Treasurer, Ian Billingsley, billingsley@ucmo.edu 

Term expires June 30 of the year listed after the individual's title.

Serving the Academic Affairs units:

• Carol Knight, Design Specialist, Center for Teaching and Learning (2024)
• Jill Larsen, Office Professional, Dean of the College of Education (2024)
• Melissa Plummer, Office Professional, International Student Services (2024)
• Heather Stringer, Administrative Assistant, Dean of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences (2024)

Serving the Finance & Operations/ Integrated Marketing & Communications/ President & General Counsel units:

• Ian Billingsley, Senior Programmer Analyst (2026)
• Heather Jennings, Title IX Analyst (2025)
• Joyce Lawson, Senior Human Resources Generalist/ Benefits Specialist (2026)
• Josh Blaize, Multimedia Specialist, Infrastructure Services (2024)

Serving the Intercollegiate Athletics/ Student Experience & Engagement/ University Advancement units:

• Stacey Beasley, Administrative Assistant, Student Experience & Engagement  (2026)
• Wesley Hobson, Coordinator, Exchange & Sponsored Programs (2024)
• Beth Rutt, Director, Student Activities and Student Recreation & Wellness Center (2026)
• Ed Wirthwein, Coordinator, Student Standards and Support (2024)

Representatives serving At-Large:

• Kari Azevedo, Academic Coordinator, MOCAP (2025)
• Michael Brunkhorst, Director, THRIVE Program (2025)
• Rae Clements, Administrative Assistant, Dean Education (2025)
• Suzy Latare, Manager, Outreach, Access & Community Health (2025)
• Britni Hume, Assistant Director, New Student Programs, Admissions (2026)

Staff Council meetings are open to all staff members and are typically scheduled on the second Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm on Zoom. Check the UCM Daily for updates regarding upcoming meetings and the link to attend via Zoom. Elected Staff Council members are expected to attend in person whenever possible.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 2:00 pm, Chapel Undercroft
• Tuesday, November 14, 2023, 2:00 pm, Union 236
• Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 2:00 pm, Union 236
• Tuesday, January 09, 2024, 2:00 pm, Union 236
• Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 2:00 pm, Union 236
• Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 2:00 pm, Union 236
• Tuesday, April 09, 2024, 2:00 pm, Union 236
• Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 2:00 pm, Union 236
• Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 2:00 pm, Union 236

Agendas are published in the UCM Daily prior to each meeting. 

Contact the Staff Council Secretary with questions about meeting minutes or agendas.

Staff Council Standing Committees

If you would like to serve on one of these committees, please contact the committee member(s) listed.

Elections: Carol Knight, Jill Larsen, Wesley Hobson, Ian Billingsley

Employee Appreciation: Jackie Jackson & Klint Braun

Recognition: Carol Knight

Supervisors: Kirsti Brunsvold

Welcome: Charissa Davis & Kim Nicas

 

University Committee Representatives

These committees have limited seats. If you would like to serve on one, please contact the Staff Council Vice President.

Faculty Senate International Affairs Committee: Andrea Wiggins

President's Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Jay Hicks

Salary and Fringe Benefits: Rae Clements & Charlie Rutt

Technology Advisory: Trisha Agueros & Kari Azevedo

Traffic and Parking Policy: Rae Clements & Heather Jennings

Traffic Review Board: Carol Knight & Jill Larsen

 

The JP Mees Award is given each year to a staff member who is classified as non-exempt and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to UCM, the community, professional activities, and service to students.

The JP Mees Award is named in honor of John Paul - or JP - Mees, a longtime and well-respected staff member here at UCM. Dr. Mees began at the university in 1988 as Executive Assistant to the President and Professor of Education. In 1994 he was appointed as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, and then in 1998 took on the roles of Vice President of Planning & Policy, and Executive Assistant to the President. JP was known to all as a warm, caring man who loved his family, as a dedicated and motivated employee, and as a trusted co-worker who always had a listening ear and a warm smile.

Past Recipients

• 2023 - Sarah Craig
• 2022 - Charissa Davis
• 2021 - Darin Plummer
• 2020 - No Award Made
• 2019 - Michelle Taylor
• 2018 - Gerianne Bliss
• 2017 - Barbara Mayfield
• 2016 - Paul Polychronis
• 2015 - Jeff Murphy
• 2014 - Joy Stevenson
• 2013 - No Award Made
• 2012 - John Culp
• 2011 - Karen Hibdon
• 2010 - Brenda Moeder
• 2009 - Beth Rutt
• 2008 - Carole Nimmer
• 2007 - Dale Carder
• 2006 - Jim Piatt
• 2005 - Mike Jeffries
• 2004 - Mary Alice Lyon
• 2003 - Walt Hicklin

The Outstanding Staff Award is given each year to a staff member who is classified as exempt and has demonstrated superior service to students, staff, faculty and community; models professionalism and a commitment to go above and beyond their normal duties; and promotes teamwork and collaboration.

Past Recipients

• 2023 - An Quigley
• 2022 - Gwena Basinger
• 2021 - Claudia Welhoff
• 2020 - No Award Made
• 2019 - Kristie Brinkley
• 2018 - Rachel Clements
• 2017 - Colette Tilden
• 2016 - Donna Chaffee
• 2015 - Marcia Clemens
• 2014 - Duard Swope
• 2013 - Tina Walker
• 2012 - Becky White
• 2011 - Barbara Fulcher
• 2010 - Trish Hubbard

Staff Educational Awards demonstrate Staff Council's collective commitment to life-long learning. Each year we strive to provide scholarships for two staff members (one exempt and one non-exempt) who are pursuing degrees at UCM. Applications are accepted through UCM Scholarship Finder. 

Past Recipients

• 2023 - Alicia Todaro and Annie Golob
• 2022 - Schuyler Kemp and Jen Skidmore
• 2021 - Kris Cruzan and Angela Ford
• 2020 - No Awards Made
• 2019 - Matthew Rogers and Shelby Toalson
• 2018 - Taylor Kinde and Presley Wehrle
• 2017 - Tina Walker
• 2016 - Felicity Buell
• 2015 - Tina Walker
• 2014- Sarah Catron

Created during UCM's sesquicentennial year, the Education for Service Award recognizes one current student, one faculty member and one staff member each year who are living examples of UCM's long-standing motto "Education for Service" and the UCM values of Adaptability, Community, Diversity, Excellence, Learning, Responsibility and Service. To nominate someone, please fill out the  Education for Service Award nomination form.