Elections

The Council consists of 27 representatives elected from the staff of the Oklahoma State University Stillwater campus. According to the SAC Constitution and Bylaws, one-third of the membership shall be elected each year.

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Voting

Ballots can be submitted through May 13, 2025.

 

Only staff employed on a permanent basis (50 percent or more and benefits eligible) are entitled to vote in SAC elections.

 

The University President, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice Presidents, Assistant Vice Presidents, faculty members, contractual labor, and student employees (including GRAs and GTAs) of the University may not vote in such elections.

 

Learn more about this year’s nominees below.

 

Vote
 

 

2025 Staff Advisory Council Nominee Statements

 

Melanie Bayles

Candidate Statement:

I have been a part of the OSU Community for many years - first as a student and graduate student and now as a staff member in the Plant and Soil Sciences Department. I have served on SAC in the past, including time as SAC Chair, and I really enjoyed being able to represent staff to the administration. I would like to have that opportunity again. It is so important for staff members to have a voice in decisions that are being made on campus. Staff Advisory Council is the governance mechanism that allows us to make that voice heard in a respectful and legitimate manner. As a SAC member I must try to present and represent the diverse opinions that exist on our campus. SAC members have a responsibility to reach out to fellow staff members across campus to make sure that all viewpoints are being heard and respected.

 

Adam Barnes

Candidate Statement:

I am an Assistant Director in the Student Union.  I have worked on campus for 17 years in both Athletics and Student Affairs - and I currently teach in the School of Media and Strategic Communication.  I serve (and have served) on a variety of committees and I collaborate with numerous campus departments.  My experience at OSU provides a somewhat unique perspective of the staff and administrative experience and I want to help positively guide the direction of the Oklahoma State University - Stillwater Campus.  Both my Undergraduate and Master's degree are from Oklahoma State and I deeply care about the current status and future direction of our staff and administration here.  I feel like I can help to contribute towards the success of the university.

 

Olivia Long

Candidate Statement:

I have worked at OSU for the past three years and I currently work as the Assistant Director of the LASSO Center. Between my work experience and my ongoing doctoral studies in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, I have acquired valuable experience and knowledge that have developed my communication skills and equipped me with the ability to collaborate effectively in problem-solving. I would integrate my understanding of how policy decisions influence our daily work and the impact that contributing to positive organizational culture change can have on staff members’ daily lives. I am passionate about creating an environment where staff feel valued and supported, knowing that when staff thrive, the entire university benefits. I would love to continue the work towards advocating for policies that enhance staff well-being and job satisfaction, improving morale across departments, and developing opportunities for mentoring across campus. Additionally, I am committed to building bridges between administration and staff to ensure voices are heard. I would be more than honored to represent my colleagues on the council and contribute to making OSU an exceptional place to work.

 

Rebecca Krouse

Candidate Statement:

I have worked at OSU for a little over a year now as a coordinator of student case management, and I have also begun to work on my PhD program at OSU as well. In my role, I enjoy working with students as well as with the other members of my department. I am always looking for new ways to become more involved within the OSU community and I look forward to potentially serving and contributing to the improvement of staff morale here at OSU. In my free time, I volunteer with the Stillwater Literacy Council, and I enjoy cooking, baking, crafting, and spending time with my friends and family.

 

Larin Davis

Candidate Statement:

I am new to the OSU family and excited for the opportunity to serve my peers. I am currently the Zone 3 Manager in the Operations and Maintenance Department of Facilities Management where I oversee the maintenance of Student Housing. I come to OSU from Stillwater Public Schools where I served many years as a special education teacher followed by serving as the Assistant Director of Facilities Management. My years of experience as a teacher and as an administrator provided me with the skills I need to lead, support, and foster positive relationships amongst any team. I bring a wealth of ideas to the organization when it comes to showing appreciation and communicating effectively with a diverse group. I look forward to the possibility of serving the staff of OSU and I appreciate your consideration.

 

Jennifer Harris

Candidate Statement:

I have been nominated to run for the Staff Advisory Council. I believe that the OSU Staff Advisory Council plays an important role in the collaboration process between The University Leadership and the University Staff. I believe that my unique qualities and perspectives bring a fresh outlook to both sides. As an advisor I am well trained in listening and finding creative solutions by thinking outside the box. I believe that it is important to be active in the communities that you care about and participate in regularly. Acts of service and being a reasonable voice in the conversation are crucial to a healthy and functioning work community where all feel valued and heard.

 

Kimberly Howerton

Candidate Statement:

I am currently completing my third year on the Staff Advisory Council and would like to continue working with this organization as we work to better benefits, opportunities and experiences for members of the OSU staff. Having served on all four standing committees during my current tenure, I have a strong understanding of the workings of the SAC and believe I can provide leadership as well as followership to the council. I have been a staff member of OSU for almost four years and am an OSU alumni.
I would like to focus much of the next three years on the Rules, Policy, and Procedures Committee.

 

Kara Peters

Candidate Statement:

I have worked at OSU for 10 years and am currently the Executive Assistant for Brand Management. In this role, I handle administrative and fiscal operations, support the leadership team, and manage functions including fiscal operations, budgeting, payroll, hiring, scheduling, and communication. I am dedicated to furthering Oklahoma State University's land-grant mission and elevating OSU's profile by showcasing programs, resources, and expertise.

Before this role, I was the Assistant Director of Operations for University Health, Counseling, and Accessibility Services. I provided operational leadership, managed budgets, and directed HR functions. My experience also includes managing fiscal operations for University Counseling Services, where I coordinated financial activities and supported leadership. Additionally, I have worked as a Grants and Contracts Specialist and an Accounting Specialist in DASNR.

I am interested in serving on the Staff Advisory Council because I believe in fostering a positive, supportive, and collaborative culture for all staff members. By working together and sharing ideas, we can develop creative solutions to challenges and enhance the overall staff experience. My experience has taught me the value of teamwork, advocating for staff, and solution-oriented thinking. I am excited for the opportunity to bring these qualities to the council.

 

Austin Hayes

Candidate Statement:

My time at OSU began in August 2019 when I started my master's program in Global Studies here. After graduating, I started working at OSU in August 2021, and I am serving here today. In my three roles as Academic Success Coach, Academic Advisor, and now as Scholar Program Coordinator, my staff experience covers three different colleges. I've worked directly with students to build study skills and good habit formation, giving me insight into how staff can best serve students. As an Advisor, I learned more about  campus systems and academic programs while working in a team setting, offering me experience with how OSU operates and knowing the value of mutual staff support. In my current role as Scholar Program Coordinator, I interface with students, staff, and faculty through coordinating study abroad scholarships and prestigious global scholar programs such as the Fulbright Program, allowing me to further build my network and connect Cowboys of all levels and roles with resources to pursue their academic and professional goals. I have invested my time, energy, and ideas into the people here at OSU, and serving on the Staff Advisory Council will offer me the opportunity to support my fellow staff. I view our campus community of students, staff, and faculty as an interwoven trifecta, and if any side is unsupported or unappreciated, it creates strain on the system. I want to be a voice, an ideator, who joins the work to make OSU better for all staff.

 

Janey Gordon

Candidate Statement:

I started at OSU in August of 2022 with the Access and Community Impact department. I served as Run of the Show and helped plan and organize the  2022 and 2023 Access and Community Impact Hall of Fame Gala, held at the OSU Alumni Center. As an Administrative Associate for the Undergraduate Admissions department, I help to organize and present PowerPoint presentations and training for the staff. I thrive on being involved in strategizing and planning events that bring large groups of people together to learn and enjoy. My goal is to connect with other departments and bring unique and thoughtful ideas to this committee.

 

Bethany Buchanan

Candidate Statement:

Having graduated from OSU in 2005 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration and being an employee in a variety of campus departments since 2020, I am passionate about OSU's commitment to excellence. I was the recipient of the Spears School of Business Power of Personal Award in August 2023, an annual recognition nominated by colleagues given to one staff member for exemplary customer service and dedication to others.  I hope to participate in the continued mission to provide OSU as an excellent place to work and am excited at the opportunity to collaborate with others to achieve this.

 

Brigett Broyles

Candidate Statement:

I have been part of Oklahoma State University (OSU) for seven years, bringing dedication and passion to the university's mission of excellence. For the past four years, I have proudly served in Facilities Management, where I have cultivated a deep understanding of organizational needs and operations.

In my current role as Administrative Programs Coordinator, I focus on recruitment and retention strategies to build and maintain strong teams, fostering a positive workplace culture. Additionally, I handle a variety of HR-related matters, ensuring streamlined processes and effective communication within the department. My goal is to contribute meaningfully to the growth and success of OSU by supporting its people—students, staff, and faculty—through innovative and collaborative approaches.

 

Sam Morse

Candidate Statement:

During my past three years on Staff Advisory Council, I have truly relished the opportunity to advocate for the concerns and needs of our incredible staff community at OSU.

Having worked professionally on campus for almost 6 years, I have seen the variety of amazing staff members that work at OSU. I've had the opportunity to work within the Honors College, Institutional Research, and now Spears. Each role has shown me the varied needs of our community and the importance of SAC serving as a voice our entire staff.

One of SAC's greatest strengths is that it brings together truly passionate folks seeking to serve their fellows, energized to make a difference. During his past term, I have served as Vice-Chair and Chair. It has been an honor and a joy finding ways to channel that energy for the good of our campus community.
Most importantly, I want to make sure our staff knows and feels that they have a significant voice in the future of our campus community. Even when there is uncertainty, I want staff to know that someone is in the room advocating for them. This includes reaching out to offices that haven't had SAC representation yet, making sure staff know what resources are available, and also giving staff a clear line of communication to our team when they have worries they want addressed. 

I am delighted to have been able to serve my first term and would love the chance to continue serving our Cowboy Community!

 

Robert Raab

Candidate Statement:
I have served on SAC and represented staff members at OSU. I currently serve on the policy and procedures sub committee.  I would like the opportunity to continue to serve. I have worked with OSU for 12 years in a leadership role.  If 
I am privileged to serve again, I want to work on improving the overall compensation and work culture for staff members - including salary, benefits, and workplace policies. I have experience in serving on community boards, fundraising, marketing and communications, and employee relations. I possess a unique set of skills  and perspectives, having worked closely with students, faculty, and campus administration (President's office), to better understand the landscape and strategic initiatives of the campus community.