51ÁÔÆæ

University Staff Nominations Committee

The University Staff Nominations Committee oversees the preferences, nominations and elections process and makes recommendations to the chair of the University Staff Committee on appointments to committees when needed based on preference sheets filled out by University Staff members on an annual basis.

Committee Bylaws Rosters

Agendas

2025-26 Agendas
2024-25 Agendas

Minutes

2025-26 Minutes
2024-25 Minutes

Contact

University Staff Elections

2026 University Staff Candidate Biographies

NameDepartmentPDCBiography
Justin AlmquistRehab Sci & TechSCMy name is Justin Almquist, and I have worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Occupational Therapy, Science, and Technology (OTST) Program for the past nine years. I assist with developing policies and procedures, completing documentation for our program’s accreditation, and overseeing admissions-related tasks. These experiences have strengthened my skills in collaboration, policy review, and evaluation, which I bring to my Senate and committee work.   I am currently a member of the University Staff Senate and University Staff Committee and am seeking the opportunity to continue serving in this role. My time on the Senate has been meaningful and impactful, and I am committed to contributing to the collaborative decision making that supports the broader campus community. I also serve on the Nomination and Awards Committee, where I help recognize the contributions of our colleagues, and as Vice-Chair of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on LGBT+ Advocacy, where I support efforts that promote equity, inclusion, and belonging across 51ÁÔÆæ.   I would value the opportunity to continue serving on the University Staff Senate and to contribute in a thoughtful, engaged, and impactful way. Thank you for your consideration.
Elle Armstrong-CochranePhysics & AstronomySCI have been working at 51ÁÔÆæ for 9 years in the Department of Physics & Astronomy. Beyond the work I do here, I am interested in LGBTQ+ rights and representation here on campus, supporting others whenever I can through cheerful positivity, and talking in silly voices to my dogs. As a long-time member of the University Staff Senate, I hope to continue advocating for my fellow University Staff members through the voice that the Senate provides.
Nelson BrautigamFacility ServicesFAAI am currently on the university staff senate, pec committee and transportation committee.  I would love to help out other employees and students.  
Dirk CookDining & Retail SvcsOADI believe in public service and I would like to bring my knowledge and experience from working at other organizations with the size and scope of 51ÁÔÆæ to the table to assist 51ÁÔÆæ in its goals.  I worked for 12+ years as an IT Engineer and have a good understanding of technology’s roles and purpose in enterprise level organizations. This also gave me a good understanding of problem solving in organizations of this size
Paul DixonUniversity HousingOADI was elected to the University Staff Senate in 2021, and I have worked in the best interest of University Staff at our university for my entire tenure. During my time in the Senate, I’ve served on the Codification Committee and Grievance Committee. I believe that University Staff are, in large part, the foundation of our university, and I hope to continue to advocate for fairness and transparency as our university continues to evolve and change.  I have served my current term on the Grievance Committee and would like to continue working towards strengthening the committee and our role and process. As a member, I heard several cases and contributed to helping our committee identify way to better establish our role in the process and strengthen the voice of University Staff. If reelected, I will work with my fellow committee members to further establish procedures that benefit the committee’s work in shared governance.
Louisa EastmanSecretary of the University’s officeOADI have been at 51ÁÔÆæ over 25 years.  I am active in Governance and believe we should have a voice.  University Staff should be represented on committees.  
José GonzalesHuman ResourcesFAAI have been with 51ÁÔÆæ for 3.5 years with over 13 years of experience working in Higher education. I have been serving on the University Staff Grievance Committee for the past few years and am looking to continue my work on this committee, I hope to have your vote!
Riley HarrisonGraduate SchoolSCI work in the Graduate School as the policies and appeals coordinator. I’ve served on the University Staff Senate as an appointed member for the last year and have really appreciated the transparency of the committee and being able to share information from senate meetings. I hope to be elected to serve on the University Staff Senate again for 2026-2027 so that I can continue strengthening the relationships among university staff around campus and advocating for all university staff at 51ÁÔÆæ.  I see the role of serving on a University Staff Standing Committee as a way to be more involved as a member of the campus and as a way to ensure that these committees move forward. As someone who has been at 51ÁÔÆæ for only a couple of years, I feel that serving on one of these committees would be beneficial as I can learn from other staff members, recognize the work of fellow colleagues, and become involved as I continue working here.
Tiffany NationGraduate SchoolSCI started my career here at 51ÁÔÆæ in 2014, above and beyond the scope of my job responsibilities of supporting governance committees and graduate student travel, I’ve served on the following committees: University Staff Committee, University Staff Awards Committee (Chair), University Staff Codification Committee, University Staff Nominations Committee, University Staff Senate, University Staff Layoff Committee, University Staff (US) Climate and Information Committee, Policy Advisory Committee (PAC) (US Rep.), Academic Policy Committee (US Rep.), Academic Planning and Budget Committee (APBC) (US Rep.) and the University Staff Grievance Committee throughout my 10 years of governance services. Historically, I have served on the Chancellor’s Scholarship Administrative Council (CSAOC), served as Chair and Co-Chair on the former Police Community Advisory Committee (PCAC), and several search and screen committees including the most recent Graduate Dean Search and Screen committee under the instruction of Provost and Vice Chancellor Daire. During my 10 years of governance service, I’ve held the roles of Chair and Co-Chair on several governance committees.  I love serving in governance and being a part of the accomplished changes that governance committees and councils are capable of to improve our overall 51ÁÔÆæ environment and wellness.  I enjoy meeting and learning from my colleagues.  It’s a great feeling to serve and be able to witness and be a part of improvement for 51ÁÔÆæ as a whole.
Chris ParksGraduate SchoolSCIt has been a privilege to serve as a member of the University Staff Senate and the Committee for many years. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the University Staff as a member of the University Staff Committee.  I am seeking the opportunity again to serve the University Staff and the University Staff Committee and Senate by serving on the Codification Committee. I have an interest in developing and writing policy and helping to revise policy. I serve as the University Staff representative on the Campus Policy Advisory Committee. I am also interested in serving on the Nominations committee, assisting the committee to make sure that University Staff has effective representation on the various campus-wide committees.
Carissa PetersonFreshwater SciencesSCI have worked as University Staff at 51ÁÔÆæ for four years and enjoy the work I am able to do and help those in my department.  I love being involved in a larger capacity with the University because I work at a remote campus, the University Senate helps to keep me involved and feeling like I am part of the larger 51ÁÔÆæ.  I have experience both serving as a member and chairing committees over my professional career.  From chairing a conference to being president of a small Kiwanis club, I enjoy being involved and doing my small part to make a difference for the people I work with.  While my title has never had HR in it, I have always worked in roles where understanding and supporting HR practices has been a part of my job.  Saying that, sometimes budgets and HR policies forget there are people with feelings involved and there are many ways to look at layoff situations.
Kayla PremeauPSOASCI appreciate the importance of how policies and bylaws are structured and written, and would like to continue to serve on Codification for University Staff.  I’ve served on a variety of committees and working groups over the years (CAA Dean S&S, pay progression/comprehensive compensation review, etc), and would like to continue to contribute where my university knowledge and experience can be helpful.
Mark RenkFacility ServicesFAAGreat experience over the last 2 years! I am grateful for the election and hope to continue on the USS for years to come!  The pulse of the university runs through these governing bodies, and I find it fascinating. I have enjoyed being part of the USGC, USS, USCC, USNC these last 2 years!  I have appreciated my time in the USS, USNC, USGC and the USCC. Expanding my knowledge and experience in governance and creating a welcoming environment for students and staff would be my ultimate shared goal.    Being part of 4 of these governing bodies for the university staff has opened my eyes to the important nature and critical role we are allowed to participate in through the Board of Regents. I would encourage all staff to learn more about this amazing experience.
Emily SchirmacherOff Campus Resource CtrOADHello, my name is Emily Schirmacher, and I am the Manager of the Off-Campus Resource Center. During my time at 51ÁÔÆæ, I have seen how deeply staff care about supporting students and strengthening our campus community. In my role, I approach my work with advocacy and equity in mind, helping students navigate off-campus living, access basic needs, and resolve difficult situations like landlord complaints and tenant rights violations. These experiences inspire my interest in serving on the University Staff Grievances Committee. I believe that fair and transparent processes are essential to a healthy workplace, and the same approach I use with students is what I would bring to reviewing grievance cases. I would be honored to help ensure these processes remain thoughtful, respectful, and fair for all 51ÁÔÆæ staff.
Kate ValeriusPhysicsSCHello.  As of early April of 2026, I will reach my 20-year milestone in my current dept.  Knowing how valuable Univ Staff is to 51ÁÔÆæ, I look forward to continuing to serve in the general Senate and the “Executive Committee,” to ensure we remain as a vital part of this University, sharing in the vital and various goals, critical partnerships and established work involved in doing so.   Thank you for your consideration!
Marco VallejoResidential DiningOADI love working with/for my colleagues. Serving on the Senate/Committees is a passion for me.  I’ve been serving the public in one way or another since I was a child. Be it at Church, or serving custard at Leons, or my time in the Military, to my current job of Food Service Supervisor. I am here for YOU!
Susan WagnerHistory, LGBT+ StudiesSCI’ve really enjoyed my time on the Senate this past year. I’ve learned a lot about the administration of the University and I feel like I have a lot more to contribute to the successful and effective representation of the University Staff. 
Robert WahlCustodial SvcFAAI have worked at 51ÁÔÆæilwaukee for 39 years.
Sarah WeidnerSociologySCGood day! My name is Sarah Weidner and I have served as the department administrator for the Sociology department for the past six years. I would like to run for the University Staff Committee because I believe I can fairly represent the concerns, needs and passion to do well in a fast past (constantly changing) environment that other University Staff employees are more that likely feeling and experiencing, I’m including my name on this ballot  do want to find out how our voices can be heard and I believe I can help to articulate our collective needs with the intention of improving our status and title, because I know how taxing this position is on those of who give everything to handle all that comes our way while still maintaining professionalism and a stay calm get it done mentality. Thank you for your consideration and for reading.
Susan WirkaHelen Bader School of Social WelfareSCI have been on the US Senate for several years and I am committed to continuing this work.  We are at a very precarious point in the history of American Culture, and I believe that Universities across the nation need to step forward to defend the social and cultural history of the United States.  I am proud of my work at 51ÁÔÆæ, because I can say definitively that I am helping the underprivileged, the forgotten, those who don’t see themselves represented in our current political culture.  The US Senate gives me a small voice, but a voice of hope, that we can do better for our nation and for our students. I have a background in women’s history and urban studies.  I am very committed to the City of Milwaukee, and to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee as the premiere urban institution in the Universities of Wisconsin system.  I am a writer, a thinker, a gardener, a dog-lover, and an advocate for immigrant’s rights.  All these “identities” inform how I approach my work as a University Staff member, and as a member of the Senate.