Faculty Senate President-Elect Vote

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Southern Utah University. My work integrates teaching, research, and service, with a strong emphasis on student success, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful faculty engagement.

Over the past several years, I have actively contributed to institutional service and leadership. At SUU, I serve as a Search Committee Chair and member for multiple faculty hires, and I contribute to key academic initiatives through the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, AI Committee, and Data Science Curriculum Committee. These roles have provided me with valuable experience in shared governance, cross- departmental collaboration, and strategic decision-making. Prior to joining SUU, I served on faculty committees and advised students extensively at The Citadel, further strengthening my commitment to academic leadership and mentorship.

I have also mentored more than 80 undergraduate research students and led multiple funded research initiatives, including externally supported grants. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to advocating for faculty resources, supporting excellence in teaching and scholarship, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative academic environment.

If elected as Faculty Senate President, I will prioritize strengthening communication and transparency between faculty and administration, advocating effectively for faculty needs, and ensuring that shared governance remains active, inclusive, and impactful. I am committed to supporting faculty development, recognizing faculty contributions, and fostering a culture where all faculty voices are heard and valued.

I would be honored to serve and represent my colleagues in advancing the mission and values of Southern Utah University.

I first joined SUU at CAPS as an pre-doctoral intern in August of 2011. It was a one- year program, but we quickly fell in love with the area and the University, so I was looking at longer-term housing options by October. I stayed on at CAPS for three more years and joined the Psychology department as a faculty member in 2015. I have taught full time since, beginning as a lecturer in 2015 and transitioning to tenure track in 2018 and achieving tenure in 2025. My experience at SUU as staff, non-tenure track faculty, and tenure track has provided me with some insights in various spaces across campus. I served as department curriculum committee chair and on the college curriculum committee during the development of our PsyD program. I have also been an advisor for our Psychology Club and Psi Chi honor society, working with student leaders and SUUSA to coordinate funding and weekly events.

I began serving on the Faculty Senate this past year and have truly enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of valuable conversations and meet more colleagues from around campus. As a member of the Faculty Senate, I see the service position as primarily that of communicator and advocate, so I’ve worked hard to ensure I am keeping my department informed on matters of policy and campus processes. My priority is to be transparent in my communication with my department and clear in representing the viewpoints and needs of departmental members.  I am humbled to have been nominated for Faculty Senate President. If elected, these would remain my priorities: to be a clear voice for faculty and transparent in the role.  As a 15 year member of the SUU community and as a mental health professional for the past 25, I know that clear and well-informed policy can empower and protect those involved. I do not have a specific agenda for this position, but I care deeply about enabling faculty to be involved and have their voices heard.