Voting for Marquette University’s Staff Senate is open now through Friday, June 27, at 5 p.m.
There are two openings for academic senators, two for administrative senators and one opening for at-large.
University Staff Senate represents Marquette employees whose primary designation is staff. The University Staff Senate is composed of 16 representatives elected for three-year terms along with one University Academic Senate representative who is also elected for a three-year term. Members may be re-elected without limit.
Following are bios for each of the candidates:
Academic candidates
Kelly Albrecht
I am excited to run for a position on the Staff Senate because I care deeply about the experiences of staff across campus. In my role as the student case manager for the CARE Team, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with staff and faculty in every college and most departments at Marquette. These relationships have given me a unique perspective on both the strengths of our campus community and the areas where we can grow.
Since joining Marquette two years ago, I’ve been continually inspired by the dedication, passion and care that our colleagues bring to their work every day. Prior to Marquette, I spent nearly a decade in K–12 public education as a school counselor, after earning my master’s degree in counseling from Western Illinois University. While here, I have enjoyed volunteering every chance I get: Homecoming, Commencement, Move-In and presenting at the Olsen Leadership Conference. I also have been a member of an ARC Dialogue Group for the past year and a half, which meets monthly. I was also a member of the Mental Health Work Group for the School of Dentistry. That background has shaped who I am: a fierce and vocal advocate for student well-being and success; and someone who deeply values collaboration, communication and compassion.
I’m running for Staff Senate because I want to be that same kind of advocate for our staff. I believe in building a workplace where everyone feels heard, supported and empowered. If elected, I will work to strengthen connections, elevate staff voices and help ensure that Marquette continues to be a place where all employees can thrive. Thank you for your consideration, and for the opportunity to serve.
Eric Foley
I serve as the assistant director for domestic and international student enrollment in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. I’m running for Staff Senate because I’m passionate about supporting the Marquette community and advancing the university’s mission.
I’ve worked at Marquette for nearly 12 years. In my current role, I collaborate across campus and serve as the Undergraduate Admissions liaison to Marquette Athletics, the College of Health Sciences, the Office of International Education and several of our direct-entry graduate programs.
I earned my master’s degree in student affairs in higher education from Marquette in 2019. During graduate school, I completed a practicum in the Alcohol and Other Drugs Education and Prevention Office and conducted my capstone project with the Graduate School Admissions Office.
These experiences and collaborations have deepened my appreciation for the dedication of Marquette’s staff, students and faculty. Through Staff Senate, I hope to further contribute to and engage with the vibrant community that makes Marquette such a special place.
Kristian Guenther
I am an access services specialist at Raynor Library with a focus on student employee operations and development. I am running for Staff Senate because I am of the firm belief that we can only act in the best interest of our students when we work collaboratively. With my first two years in this position, I have served on the Student Wage Committee here in the library and am currently on the Raynor IDEA committee. I have completed MMI and a number of GROW classes, as well as other local and remote courses pertaining to leadership and student success. Throughout the last semester, I was able to work with the Lemonis Center for Student Success and attend Campus Spotlight events which inspired me to continue seeking out resources that will help give my student employees the best possible experience here at Marquette and prepare them professionally for life after college.
Joining Staff Senate feels like the next step in gaining a well-rounded understanding of what is happening on campus and collaborating with others to further improve the environment in which students learn, work and form community.
Mario Hamilton
I am currently a proud member of the educational program known nationally as TRIO, serving as an UpwardBound pre-college counselor. This organization supports passionate, intelligent and tenacious students from underprivileged, low-income backgrounds throughout Milwaukee Schools. As a product of this program, I can attest to its effectiveness. Our mission is both grand and personal, making meaningful differences in students’ lives. To advocate for our program and achieve the impact our
institution strives for, we must have a voice in the right places. Therefore, I am running for a seat in the University Staff Senate to connect with colleagues across campus and ensure a better future for our workplace.
As a recent alum of the College of Communication, I bring fresh insight from the perspective of a Milwaukee native academic, understanding the needs of students while recognizing the strengths and the areas for improvement within our institution. I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard and that we feel supported in our roles. Your vote will allow me to represent our collective interests, advocate for necessary changes and foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. I look forward to contributing my perspective through the University Staff Senate and working together to achieve our goals.
Courtney Johnson-Paez
I currently serve as the administrative assistant in the Center for Teaching and Learning. I am seeking a position on the Staff Senate to advocate for all staff regardless of role, length of service or skill level to help ensure that every voice is heard and valued. And I am eager to contribute to conversations that shape the future of our campus and to help amplify the perspectives of my colleagues.
As a proud Marquette University graduate and staff member for the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to build meaningful connections across departments through my work and involvement in campus initiatives such as the Dreamers Gala, Mission Week, and various hiring committees. I also actively engage with programs and events hosted by the Faber Center, Mission and Ministry and the CTL. These experiences have deepened my commitment to fostering an inclusive, mission-driven environment for all. I am humbled to be nominated and would welcome the opportunity to serve and engage at a deeper level with our campus community. Thank you for your consideration.
Lizzie Kerrick
I am running for University Staff Senate because I hope to connect more deeply with colleagues across campus; advocate for the Marquette University staff community; and utilize my strengths in creative problem solving and empathetic leadership to promote a healthy and productive professional environment.
I started my career at Marquette in 2012 as a graduate assistant while pursing a Master of Education in student affairs in higher education. The mission-focused and supportive community has kept me here for the last 12+ years in a variety of full and part-time roles, all in the Graduate School, including admissions counselor, admissions systems specialist, assistant director of graduate admissions and director of operations. Through these positions, I have worked collaboratively with many academic
and administrative area staff and am impressed every day with the expertise, teamwork and care that my colleagues display.
Jennifer Klump
I am the director of student success and recruitment in the College of Health Sciences, and I have worked at Marquette for 14 years. I previously worked as a residence hall director in Schroeder Hall and the office associate in the College of Health Sciences Dean’s Office. The diverse roles I have held offer me perspective into the varied experiences and needs of staff members on our campus. Through many different committees, projects, Employee Wellness classes, the Marquette Colleagues
Program and other campus events, I have had the great opportunity to work with and learn from faculty and staff on both sides of Wisconsin Avenue. If elected, I would be excited to collaborate with others on the University Staff Senate to positively impact the experience of all Marquette staff members.
Zachary Kohlwey
Hi! I currently serve as the assistant director of the Alumni Memorial Union and have been part of the Marquette community for nearly three years. During my time here, I’ve been involved with the LGBTQ+ ERG and am currently in the student affairs in higher education graduate program — just three classes away from completion!
In my role, I collaborate with colleagues across campus on initiatives related to commuter students, student involvement and student employment. I’m passionate about building connections across departments and advocating for staff voices to be represented and valued at all levels.
Outside of Marquette, I live in Wauwatosa with my husband and our energetic Pomsky pup, who’s almost two. We love exploring our neighborhood on walks, attending dog-friendly events, and making the most of patio season.
Tia Langnes
Hello! My name is Tia Langnes, and I am an international program coordinator in the Office of International Education. I joined the Marquette community in September of 2017 and have been working in higher education since 2005. I have a degree from Pennsylvania State University in business management and marketing. I recently completed my MBA at Marquette University. Within the Education Abroad office I help facilitate the detailed operation of sending faculty and students abroad. I have a track record of accomplishments centered on developing procedures that increase efficiency, enhance customer service, emphasize best practices, and maintain meaningful communication with collaborators.
I am thrilled and deeply honored to be nominated to serve on the Staff Senate. I am running for the Staff Senate because I would like to help in contributing to the success, development and recognition of Marquette University staff members. I believe an institution’s greatest asset is its people. I am interested in running for Staff Senate to gain deeper insights into the university and to advocate for the needs of staff members. Problem-solving and teamwork are passions of mine, and I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with my colleagues across campus to build a stronger community.
Brenda Lenz
I am the director of the MU Counseling Center. I am running for Staff Senate because I would like to work collaboratively with, learn from and support colleagues who work in a variety of roles across campus to propose, discuss and implement ideas that will improve staff and our community’s overall wellness.
Over the past 22 years at Marquette, I have been in roles and involved in a variety of committees and initiatives that focus on improving student well-being. This opportunity to work on staff initiatives provides an avenue to influence an environment that supports the well-being of all members of the MU community. In my current role, I provide administrative oversight for the mental health and substance use clinical services for students on campus; additionally, I continue to practice as a clinician. I value strong collaboration, and benefit from the commitment, expertise and dedication staff make in their unique roles with students and each other every day. I’m excited about this opportunity and I hope to build new connections to our W+R facility and department to help bring wellness and health-promoting practices across all of Marquette.
Madelynn Makinster
I have worked in the AMU Event Services Office for over two years. I started as a Sodexo event coordinator from May 2023- March 2024. Then, in March of 2024, I became an official Marquette employee as an event planner. While I have only been in my current Marquette position for 15 months, I have accomplished more than I ever thought I could.
This winter, I completed 48 hours of training through Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee. This was a training on how to create a trauma-informed workplace. I also served on Dr. Navia’s Strategic Planning Committee for the Division of Belonging and Student Affairs. These experiences have allowed me to connect with countless individuals across the division. I would be honored to be a USS member so that I can continue to collaborate with other staff across campus and share ideas on how to continue to make Marquette an amazing place to work.
Taylor Rose Pamperin
I am the graduate student success and programming specialist in the College of Nursing. As an elected member of University Staff Senate, I would look forward to upholding the purpose of the USS by amplifying staff voices and experiences, collaborating with staff across campus units, and contributing to a positive and inclusive workplace in which to do our vital work.
In my 10 years at Marquette, I have had the privilege of working collaboratively with many units, departments and individuals throughout the university. I serve on the College of Nursing’s Committee on Equity and Inclusion, am a facilitator for Making Marquette Inclusive, have participated in many GROW and Faber Center offerings as well as other campus-wide programs. In my role, I provide holistic student support for the College of Nursing’s graduate students at every level and develop and implement cocurricular programming for undergraduate and graduate students. Throughout my time at Marquette I have been honored to work alongside staff across Marquette’s campus, institutes, programs and satellite units. I’ve experienced how dedicated, capable, creative and innovative Marquette’s staff members are and I am eager for the opportunity to develop a stronger connection and immerse myself further into our diverse campus community.
Katelyn Stamas
My name is Katelyn Stamas and I have worked at Marquette for nearly seven years working in the Center for Teaching and Learning. It has been a real pleasure getting to work across so many different departments and colleges during my time here and I see how much each person brings to this university. My hope is that I could provide the Staff Senate with an enthusiasm towards creating the best work and environment with all of my extended colleagues. My current role allows me to connect with many different people to create online content for their courses (as well as other projects) and connecting and working together is one of the best parts of my jobs. It is an honor to even be nominated and take a step closer to being more involved in this great community.
Michael Stock
I am the senior career counselor at the Career Center. Our office collaborates with staff and faculty on initiatives that serve students. I’ve worked at Marquette for 12 years. I began as a graduate assistant in my master’s program, continued with contract work in TRIO Educational Opportunity Program and joined Marquette’s staff full time in 2022. I am honored to be nominated for Staff Senate, where I would have an opportunity to join conversations across campus and advocate for colleagues.
Karalee Surface
I am the experiential learning and prestigious fellowships coordinator on campus. I am running for Staff Senate as an at-large member because I’d like to connect with the broader campus community, learn more about how different units function, and be a voice for colleagues when it comes to making decisions that impact our workplace experience.
I have worn several different hats over my past 18 years at Marquette. I was a graduate student (and teaching assistant) in our History Department, earning my Master’s and Ph.D. here on campus. I have also served as a program assistant in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences internship program, an advisor in the University Honors Program, the leadership development coordinator for the Institute for Women’s Leadership, and a coordinator for prestigious fellowships. In my current role, I handle recruitment for fellowship opportunities, serve as the Fulbright Program advisor on campus and coordinate the new Lovell Scholars program. With both Honors and IWL, I have had the opportunity to branch out and work with students, faculty and staff from across the colleges, developing lasting, collaborative relationships with many amazing people in the Marquette community. As I step into this new full-time role, I look forward to getting more involved and branching out to work with those I do not already know and to being of service to colleagues across the university.
Administrative candidates
Sarah Kazlauskas
My name is Sarah Kazlauskas and I am running for Staff Senate for a second term because I believe representation for hourly workers on campus is vital. Since being elected to Staff Senate three years ago, I have spoken up at meetings on behalf of staff employees on campus that are unable to step out of their offices to engage with other areas of the university. I have served on the Staff Outreach committee each year I have been a representative, have attended most meetings in person, and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the people that make Marquette what it is. I’ve worked at the Child Care Center for four and a half years, graduated from Marquette some time ago, and am a original member of the women’s soccer team, so my heart is in the right place. Thank you.
Maureen Lewis
My primary role for the last 22 years at Marquette has been in academic support in Intercollegiate Athletics. Working in partnership with other offices across the university, I have worked collaboratively with advisors, staff and faculty in support of our student population. Programming partnerships with Wellness, Counseling, and Career Services staff, and with the Center for Peacemaking, have also created further outreach to the student-athlete population. I have attended CAPS meetings representing Intercollegiate Athletics, and served on the committee to safely return to campus and to sport during
COVID, connecting with other campus health professionals and stakeholders. I have participated in GROW sessions, and Faber Center retreats, enriching my own Marquette experience. In addition, I also am adjunct in the College of Education, teaching a freshman-level course. I also occasionally write pieces for Marquette Magazine as an independent contractor.
My husband works in Facilities/Maintenance, with a team of capable colleagues. These connections have enhanced the respect and appreciation I have for all professionals on our campus, in a wide variety of roles. I earned my undergraduate degree in journalism at Marquette and returned decades later to earn my master’s degree in counseling. I’m excited about the opportunity to engage even more deeply with our campus community.
Bill Marcou
I am the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI) project manager here at Marquette University. I have been in my role for approximately 18 months. Previously, I worked at Cardinal Stritch University in a variety of roles from IT to accreditation. In my role at Marquette, I have been fortunate enough to be involved in AI/Data Science related projects. At the current rate of development in AI it has not been dull. It has also allowed me to interact with many faculty/staff across the University on the potential positives and negatives of this rapid evolution.
I have my BBA with an emphasis in Finance from UWM and my M.S. in Computer Science Education from Cardinal Stritch University. I appreciate being nominated and if elected look forward to providing what I can to a great university in a rapidly changing higher education industry.
Mark Wozny
As the IT compliance manager within Administrative Services, specifically IT Services, I am excited to announce my candidacy for Staff Senate as an at-large member. I am eager to be part of a meaningful organization within the University that ensures staff member views are heard and acted upon for the betterment of our institution.
Over the past 4.5 years, I have had the pleasure of connecting with faculty and staff while establishing IT compliance programs for credit card data, health care data and data management plans for researchers. This cross-collaboration has provided me with a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives on campus and how decisions impact our community. Additionally, my participation on the university’s accreditation team has given me a better understanding of the university’s inner workings. I am confident that my unique perspective, shaped by my experience with cross-collaborative teams, will contribute positively to the Staff Senate. I am passionate about continuing to engage with our campus community and understanding their viewpoints to make a positive impact.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to working with you and making our University an even better place!
