Staff Council
Your Seat at the Table
WELCOME TO THE UD PRESIDENT'S STAFF COUNCIL
The Staff Council advises President Laura Carlson on staff perspectives — from campus culture and professional growth to wellness and the everyday staff experience. We serve as advocates for staff, representing your perspectives as the University shapes policy, culture and programs that affect your work.
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LATEST NEWS
Play, Development and Research
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The 2026-27 season brings acclaimed artists, bold collaborations and global Delaware talents to UD
Advocate for Staff
We bring staff perspectives directly to University leadership.
Influence Policy
We weigh in on policies and procedures that affect staff throughout UD.
Foster Wellbeing
We champion professional growth, wellness and campus culture.
Represent All Staff
Our members span a variety of units, levels and tenures throughout the University.
The Caring University
The Staff Council is reading and discussing The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation by Kevin McClure, exploring what a more humane academic workplace looks like.
Staff Feedback and Suggestions
The Council collects and surfaces staff feedback directly to President Carlson. Use the suggestion link below to share what's on your mind. No idea is too small.
Monthly Meetings
The Council meets monthly. Notes from all sessions are published below.
President’s Staff Council Update – January 30, 2026
The University of Delaware President’s Staff Council met on January 30, 2026, to confirm Council structure and begin shaping key priorities for the year. The Council is committed to strengthening communication, transparency, and staff engagement across UD.
Below are key updates and outcomes from the meeting:
1) Council Leadership Roles Confirmed
The Council officially confirmed four leadership roles: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Moderator.
- David Hannah was selected as Chair
- Laura Grimes and Megan West were selected as Co-Vice Chairs
- Nathana Jackson was selected as Secretary
- The Moderator role will rotate depending on meeting location
2) Two-Year Terms Established for Council Members
Council members will serve two-year terms, with future discussion planned around staggered terms to support continuity. A process for filling vacancies as they arise was also discussed.
3) Stronger Communication with Staff Across Campus
The Council discussed multiple strategies to keep staff informed and involved, including:
- Establishing Council members as departmental ambassadors
4) “You Keep UD Running” Recognition Campaign Underway
The Council discussed plans for a staff-recognition initiative that highlights employees who are going the extra mile. Next steps include developing criteria, nomination processes, and reporting methods, with potential opportunities to expand recognition across campus.
5) Increasing Visibility and Access for All UD Staff
To strengthen accessibility and inclusion, the Council discussed adding Council member profiles and contact information to the Staff Council webpage, along with strategies to engage staff from departments not currently represented on the Council.
UD Staff Council Update — Feb. 25, 2026
1. Commitment to a “Caring University” Culture
Staff Council engaged in a meaningful discussion of The Caring University, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibility between the institution and employees for well-being, growth, and success. The Council affirmed its commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement, inclusion, and support across UD.
2. Staff Priorities Identified for Action
The Council identified key areas of importance to staff, including cost-of-living adjustments, parking affordability, and transparency around funding changes. A staff survey is in development to gather broader input and help prioritize future initiatives.
3. Enhancing Communication and Transparency
Recognizing the importance of clear and consistent communication, the Council is working to strengthen how updates and institutional decisions are shared with staff. Future communications will be distributed through the Staff Council webpage and campus-wide channels.
4. Building Community Through Recognition
The “You Keep UD Running” recognition initiative continues to gain momentum, celebrating staff contributions across campus. Council members are actively sharing stories and exploring additional ways to highlight and appreciate the vital work of UD staff.
5. Promoting Campus Engagement and Inauguration Involvement
The Council is collaborating with the Inauguration Committee to ensure meaningful staff involvement in upcoming events. Efforts include campus-wide engagement opportunities, storytelling initiatives, and celebrating the unique culture of the University of Delaware.
University of Delaware President’s Staff Advisory Council
Key Updates for the UD Community – April 1, 2026
- Development of Annual Campus Climate and Thriving Survey
The Council discussed the development of a new annual campus climate survey centered on the “Thriving Quotient” framework. The survey will include faculty- and staff-specific questions, as well as shared questions, with a focus on gathering meaningful feedback to better understand the campus experience and inform institutional priorities. - Commitment to Actionable Outcomes and Clear Communication
Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that survey results lead to tangible action. The Council discussed the need for a clear communication strategy to share results with the campus community and to develop action plans that address key areas of concern while identifying a manageable number of institutional priorities each year. - Staff Engagement Opportunities for Presidential Inauguration
The Council received updates on the upcoming presidential inauguration and opportunities for staff involvement. Staff members will have the chance to participate in the official procession and support event activities, highlighting the important role staff play in major University events. - Parking System Improvements Under Consideration
Updates were shared from recent discussions with Parking Services, including a proposal to simplify the parking system by reducing the number of permit types. The goal is to improve clarity and accessibility while maintaining the University’s current operational needs. - Continued Momentum of the “You Keep UD Running” Campaign
The Council continues to celebrate staff contributions through the “You Keep UD Running” campaign. Members shared positive feedback and stories of recognition, with plans to expand storytelling efforts to further highlight the impact of staff across the University community.
University of Delaware President’s Staff Advisory Council
Key Updates for the UD Community – June 24, 2026
- Council Establishes Strategic Priorities for the Year
The Staff Advisory Council identified its primary focus areas for the coming year: job classification and career growth, salary and compensation, and cost of living. These priorities will guide the Council's work and collaboration with Human Resources and University leadership to advocate for meaningful improvements that support staff. - Campus Pulse Survey Results to Shape Future Initiatives
The Council received an update on the University-wide Campus Pulse Survey, with results expected this September. The findings will help identify staff priorities and inform future Council initiatives. Dr. Laurie A. Schreiner will return to campus this fall to share the results and discuss next steps with the University community. - Staff Council Website and Feedback Portal Nearing Launch
Work continues on the development of the Staff Advisory Council website, with a soft launch planned for July and full implementation expected in September. The website will include multiple avenues for staff to submit feedback, share ideas, and engage directly with the Council, creating additional opportunities for communication and transparency. - Expanding Staff Engagement Across Campus
The Council discussed new ways to strengthen staff engagement by allowing committees to meet between regular Council meetings and by increasing the Council's visibility at campus events, resource fairs, and other University activities. These efforts are intended to build stronger connections with staff and ensure their voices are represented across the institution. - Preparing for an Important Dialogue on Job Classification and Compensation
The July meeting will focus on a collaborative discussion with Human Resources regarding job classifications, compensation practices, career advancement, and employee self-advocacy. Topics will include understanding compensation quartiles, promoting consistency across the University, and discussing pathways for professional growth. This conversation represents an important step toward greater transparency and continued support for staff development.
University of Delaware President’s Staff Advisory Council
Key Updates for the UD Community – July 21, 2026
1. Parking Improvements Continue with Focus on Affordability and Accessibility
The University shared updates on its evolving parking strategy, emphasizing that overall parking permit rates are expected to remain flat. New initiatives include a lower-cost permit for miscellaneous wage employees and graduate students, evaluation of expanding eligibility for reduced-rate permits, and long-term plans for remote parking locations, expanded shuttle service, and more affordable remote parking options. Staff feedback will continue to play an important role as these changes are implemented.
2. Staff Council Website Nearing Launch to Strengthen Communication
The Staff Council website is progressing toward launch and will serve as a central hub for staff information, resources, and engagement opportunities. A prototype of the website and submission form has been completed, and the Council is now focused on finalizing content, including the development of a mission statement that reflects its commitment to representing and advocating for staff across the University.
3. Human Resources Provides Greater Transparency on Compensation Practices
Human Resources met with Staff Council to explain the University's approach to job classifications and compensation. The discussion highlighted how salary grades are established using external market data, the importance of maintaining internal equity, and the ongoing review of salary structures to remain competitive. HR also reaffirmed that job descriptions evolve over time and that reclassification should be considered when responsibilities significantly change.
4. Continued Focus on Fair Compensation and Employee Recognition
Council members engaged in a productive conversation about salary compression, merit increases, performance evaluations, and employee recognition. Human Resources acknowledged staff concerns regarding internal equity, consistency in performance ratings, and budget limitations while sharing that an institutional equity review is anticipated next year. The discussion reinforced the University's commitment to evaluating compensation practices and exploring opportunities to recognize employee contributions more effectively.
5. Return-to-Campus Policy and HR Follow-Up Identified as Upcoming Priorities
Looking ahead, Staff Council identified several key priorities for future meetings, including a University-wide discussion on the Return-to-Campus Policy and a follow-up Human Resources information session to address remaining staff questions regarding job classifications, compensation, and performance management. These ongoing conversations reflect the Council's commitment to ensuring staff voices remain part of important institutional decisions.
our members
Members are appointed for two-year terms and represent staff from across varied units, employment levels, and length of time at the University.
I came to UD in early 2024 as the Coordinator for Acquisitions Services with Library, Museums and Press. In this librarian role, I am responsible for overseeing purchasing, payment, and receiving for library collections. I am also responsible for tracking and reporting out on the library collections budget in addition to coordinating with vendors & library liaisons and performing collection analysis as needed.
I joined Staff Council to be more connected to and participatory in the larger campus community. My intent is to help elevate staff voices at all levels and assist with tackling issues related to staff morale, wellbeing, and retention.
I joined the UD in 2017 and have been with the Budget Office since day one. In my role as a Senior Budget Analyst, I serve as a liaison between the Budget Office and the administrative units I support, helping them navigate the budget process and find solutions to their financial questions.
As a member of Staff Council, I'd like to help foster open communication between staff and university leadership, ensuring that staff voices are not only heard, but also thoughtfully responded to.
When I'm not juggling numbers, you'll probably find me judging barbecue competitions. I've judged 47 contests so far, and my goal is to reach 100!
I am the Director of Human Subjects Research Compliance in the Research Office.
I started at UD in 2018.
With nearly 20 years’ experience in human subject research, I navigate the intersection of science, ethics, and regulatory policies. If you have IRB questions, I am here to help!
As part of the Staff Advisory Council, I plan to advocate for constant improvements to benefit all staff. I hope to prioritize pay equity, realistic cost-of-living adjustments, and reducing everyday burdens where possible.
Outside of campus, I am a part-time railroad heiress, voracious reader, and an amateur aerialist. GO HENS!
As Registered Nurse, I spent many years on Quality Improvement, Patient Safety and Risk Management teams in an acute care setting. I moved to University of Delaware in 2020, just in time to help move the University safely through COVID as the Director of Nursing of Student Health Services. In my current role as the Director of Risk Management in the Finance Department, I work with campus partners to identify, assess and manage risks to our organization and come up with strategies to safely mitigate risks, supporting the growth of the University.
I believe that the culture of an organization directly impacts the safety, happiness and efficacy of employees. I wanted to be a part of the Staff Council so that I could be a resource and a communicator for staff who may need their voice amplified. During my term, I would like to see the Staff Council serve to nurture the work culture at the University, focusing on facilitating transparent communication between staff and senior leadership, particularly when those conversations feel hard or critical.
I am also serving on the Benefits Advisory Council where I hope to use my clinical background to provide necessary perspective as the University moves through the first few years of managing our Employee Health Insurance Program. I am a member of the University Pride Caucus and will continue to find ways to sustain a healthy and safe culture for LGBTIA+ employees and students at the University.
I am a passionate believer in the benefit of fine art to boost overall cognitive health and wellbeing. I am a fiber artist and second-generation avid quilter. Less successfully, I am a terrible but persistent potter, spending my time making heavy, lopsided, nearly unusable ceramics and then gifting them to my loved ones for the holidays.
Salvatore Ciro is the Manager of Client Support for University of Delaware Information Technologies and has served as a UD staff member since 2016. In this role, he oversees IT support for administrative and research units, as well as campus-wide student IT support and engagement initiatives. Salvatore earned his undergraduate degree from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics and his master’s degree from the Biden School of Public Policy and Administration. He believes strong teams are built when people feel heard, supported, and empowered to contribute. As a manager, he advocates for his team and works to ensure staff have a voice in decisions that affect their work and the resources they need to succeed. He joined Staff Council to extend this commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and connection across the broader University community.
I am proud to celebrate 25 years of service at the University of Delaware. I began my UD career in 2001 as a full-time Custodian while also attending classes. In 2009, I earned a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Japanese.
Throughout my career, I have served in a variety of roles across the University, including Custodian in both academic and residential facilities, Custodial Manager, and Administrative Professional. After more than 24 years in the Custodial Department, I transitioned to my current position as Supervisor in the Department of Landscape Services, formerly known as Grounds.
I was nominated for Staff Council by a member of upper management who believed I would be an effective representative due to my willingness to speak up, ask difficult questions, and address concerns that others may be hesitant to raise. I joined Staff Council with the goal of strengthening communication between hourly union employees and University administration, while serving as a strong voice for those who may not always feel comfortable speaking for themselves.
I am committed to advocating for staff, fostering transparency, and helping ensure that all employees feel heard, valued, and represented within the University community.
I have been with the UD Police Department since September of 2023. My goal is to make UD a safe place where students, staff, faculty and visitors feel comfortable engaging with law enforcement as partners in our community. I was nominated to represent the Police Department in the President’s Staff Council by the Chief of Police, Patrick Ogden, after earning Officer of the Year for the 2024/2025 school year. In this role, I hope to help foster strong communication between the officers and staff members at UDPD and the University administration. Outside of the uniform, I enjoy CrossFit, reading, traveling and spending time with my husband, dog and two cats.
Donnie Golden is a laboratory professional with a background in chemistry and more than 25 years of experience working in academic research and teaching laboratories. He currently works in Biomedical Engineering here at the University of Delaware, where he helps keep research labs running safely and efficiently, while also troubleshooting equipment, and helping students and researchers navigate the practical side of laboratory work. He has always enjoyed the combination of science, problem-solving, and working with people, and has spent much of his career helping students and colleagues succeed behind the scenes. After all that, you can find him out on the golf course breathing in the non-laboratory air.
Laura Grimes is the Assistant Director of Operations and Staff Development for Campus Recreation within Delaware Athletics and Campus Recreation (DACR) and is proud to be a University of Delaware alumna. She began her journey with Campus Recreation as a student employee in 2011 before joining the full-time staff in 2017. In her role, Laura oversees facility operations, student staff development, scheduling, and event coordination to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging recreation environment. Inspired by a Staff Town Hall, she joined the President's Staff Council to help ensure staff voices are heard and valued. Laura is passionate about advocating for equitable treatment, meaningful compensation, and fostering a more inclusive and supportive community for all University staff.
David Hannah has served the University of Delaware for 21 years, holding a variety of roles including Secretary, Senior Secretary, Staff Assistant, Academic Support Coordinator, Academic Program Coordinator, Business Administrator II, and now Associate Business Officer for the Graduate College. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Delaware and a Master of Science in Health and Wellness Management from the University of Cincinnati. David joined the Staff Advisory Council to advocate for staff, amplify their voices, and help foster a more supportive and rewarding workplace for all.
I've been at UD for 12 years. I partner with alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University to develop meaningful philanthropic plans that reflect their values and create a lasting impact. I specialize in helping donors achieve their charitable goals by incorporating a gift to the University into their estate plans, enabling them to leave a legacy that supports future generations.
I joined the Staff Council because I wanted the opportunity to represent my department and advocate for staff members who may not always feel that their voices are heard or that their perspectives matter. I am excited to contribute to meaningful conversations and initiatives that will help shape the future of the University and strengthen our campus community.
During my service, I hope to bring diverse perspectives to the Council while fostering open communication between staff and University leadership. I look forward to supporting initiatives that enhance the employee experience at the University of Delaware and promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture. I am particularly interested in advancing conversations around professional growth, employee engagement, and creating an environment where staff feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed. I also hope to build connections across departments and contribute to collaborative solutions that positively impact both our employees and the University as a whole.
I have been at UD since 2005, first as an undergrad, then a grad student, and now for my entire professional career. I've been a staff member for 16 years. I joined the Staff Council because UD has changed my life, not just once, but over and over again. I'm a Blue Hen because Blue Hens cared for me. Now I'm in a position to be that Blue Hen for others, to continue our culture of care for each other.
I recently completed my first year at UD. As Program Coordinator for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UD, I manage and support over 250 instructors and courses on the Wilmington and Newark campuses. I work with a fantastic staff team, member-volunteers, community partners, and other UD departments to coordinate educational experiences designed for learners aged 50+ that emphasizes “learning for the joy of learning.”
I joined the Staff Council to represent one of UD’s satellite campuses and advocate for an improved staff experience. While part of this council I hope to foster a greater sense of community across all UD campuses, ensure staff have a voice and communicate their concerns to leadership, and facilitate meaningful change to benefit experiences community wide such as better support for work-life balance.
I joined UD in December 2009.
I serve as a key leader for developing and enhancing the processes and infrastructure for DENIN, and I ndependently manage DENIN business operations, including unit financials, grants preparation and management, project management, HR, and administrative strategy.
I am honored to serve on the Staff Council and view this opportunity as a way to advocate for and support the diverse perspectives of UD staff. My motivation for joining the Council stems from the breadth of experiences I bring to the role. During my time at UD, I have worked in two colleges and an institute— the College of Engineering (COE), the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), and DENIN—providing me with insight into the unique opportunities and challenges faced across different areas of the University. In addition, I bring perspectives from outside the University, including more than 13 years of industry experience prior to joining UD. I am also connected to the University community as the spouse of a UD alum and the parent of both a current undergraduate student and a graduate student. These experiences have given me a well-rounded understanding of the many ways people engage with and contribute to the University. Through my service on Staff Council, I hope to help strengthen communication between staff and University leadership and improve processes that support employee success. Most importantly, I want to ensure that staff voices are heard and represented as we work together to address challenges, identify opportunities, and continue building a supportive community for all.
Grant manages marine field science operations for the Coastal Sediments, Hydrodynamics, and Engineering Lab (CSHEL). His work has brought him far and wide from Bikini Atoll to Corsica, although he is equally interested in sharing that experience with others through VR and film. In addition to his role as Operations Manager, he is the CEOE Assistant Dive Safety Officer, Relief Captain of the R/V Joanne Daiber, and provides consultation for the R/V Hugh R. Sharp during marine geophysics operations.
A third generation UD Staff and two time alum (BE19/MS22), he hopes to champion rights of junior staff members, especially those who are funded by soft money. He is the only member of the Staff Council from the Hugh R. Sharp Lewes Campus and looks forward to building connection with the other UD Campuses.
I’ve worked at UD in various operations management roles since 2007, currently serving as Building Manager for the College of Health Sciences (CHS) at STAR Campus.
I am responsible for facilities operations for CHS’s community-facing clinics, research labs, and instructional spaces. I provide general hospitality and client services for our patients, visitors, students, faculty, and staff; if someone needs something, I provide it or point them in the right direction!
With a long family history at UD – including my parents, in-laws, siblings, nephews, nieces, wife, and children – I am thoroughly Blue & Gold and joined the Staff Council in hopes of advocating for current and future Blue Hens within my orbit and beyond.
Since April 2007, I have worked at UD, beginning as a part-time administrative assistant and working up to a full-time role in UD Internal Audit. In 2017, I joined Lerner College as a Financial Analyst and completed my MBA here in 2019. In my current role as Senior Business Officer, I am responsible for college operations: financial, facilities and a broad range of other projects. I am honored to serve on the Staff Council to be able to contribute to the important conversations which are happening around the staff experience at UD. The staff is the foundation of our campus and we must continue to value their experience as subject matter experts and contributors.
George Watson has proudly served the University of Delaware for 24 years and currently works with the University of Delaware Media Services Department. Throughout his career, he has planned and executed thousands of events for the Bob Carpenter Center and Media Services, helping create memorable experiences for the University community.
One of his favorite career highlights was booking and planning the Elton John concert during his time at the Bob Carpenter Center along with many other concerts which passed through the BCC.
Outside of work, George enjoys gardening and traveling with his family. He and his wife, Haley, have two sons, Hunter and Dexter, and share their home with their dog, Ethel.
George's service to the University of Delaware has always been guided by loyalty, dedication, and pride. Serving on the President's Staff Council has given him the opportunity to be one of many voices representing University staff. He believes his years of experience, institutional knowledge, and commitment to the University are strengths that allow him to effectively advocate for and support his fellow staff members.
Meg West is the Assistant Director of Events in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Delaware, where she helps create welcoming and memorable campus visit experiences for prospective students and their families. She has worked at UD for just over three years, previously serving in Student Life before joining the Admissions team. Throughout her time at UD, Meg has loved building community, supporting students, and creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. She joined Staff Council to help strengthen connections across campus, elevate staff voices, and contribute to a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and engaged.
Myae Han will present in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences’ colloquium series