Staff Council Elections

Name: Maria Saldana
Department: OISP
Bio: Maria Saldana has been employed with the University since 2002. She started as a Program Manager for the Office of International Studies and Programs for the BCIA/HAS/TSU training program for one year and became the Study Abroad Advisor. She has served on Staff Council since 2005. She has served on the Staff Affairs Committee, the Staff Council Scholarship Committee, and Cougar First Impressions. She currently serves in the University System Staff Executive Council (USSEC) and the Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee. She also serves in the community as the Education Director of the Houstonians Soccer Club by helping inner-city kids to go to college. Maria acted as the Parliamentarian during her first year on Staff Council and has been the Chair of Membership and Elections Committee during the last two years. She would continue to represent and advocate for staff and will prove an asset to Staff Council once elected.

Name: Esther Stokes
Department: School of Communication
Bio: Esther Stokes has been employed at the University of Houston for over one year, and brings a rich background to the higher educational environment. She is currently working in the School of Communication as an academic advisor and a graduate advisor assistant. She believes strongly in quality customer service and has been instrumental in creating and upgrading a student handbook for the graduate program and “what to do with a major in …” handouts for current and prospective undergraduate students. She has also begun a tradition of having informational meetings for new graduate students at the beginning of each term. Esther believes that good customer service is paramount in retaining students and leading them to a successful academic career at UH.

Name: Carol Barr
Department: English
Bio: Carol Barr is both a graduate and an employee of the University. Her first job was with the College of Education as a work study student; and over the last 20-plus years she has worked with the College of Engineering, College of Education, and is now the Business Administrator in the Department of English. Carol is a passionate staff advocate. She has served on the Commission on Women, the System Wide Fringe Benefits Committee, and the Title IX Grievance Committee. As a member of Staff Council she has served as President, Chair of the Staff Affairs Committee, and Chair of Cougar First Impressions.

Name: Rowena Castro
Department: Information Technology
Bio: Rowena Castro has worked for UH since 1985 and is currently an Assistant Department Business Administrator in Information Technology. Her years of service and breadth of knowledge serve her well in her capacity as the go-to person for HR and payroll matters in the IT department. Reliable, well-informed, and very well-liked by her peers, Rowena would be an asset to Staff Council.

Name: Charles Henry
Department: Pharmacy
Bio: Charles Henry has worked at the University for 29 years. He began his employment as an Accounting Clerk in the Sponsored Research Office. He is currently the College Business Administrator for the College of Pharmacy. He has previously served for eight years on Staff Council. He served for three terms as President and for one term as Vice President and Parliamentarian. He has served on numerous University committees. He is the recipient of a Staff Excellence Award and the McElhinney Distinguished Service Award. He currently serves on the University System Staff Executive Council (USSEC), the Black Leadership Network (BLN) and the SACS QEP Topic Selection Committee. Charles has always been a strong advocate for staff and would serve well on Staff Council.

Name: Letecia Henry
Department: GCSW
Bio: Letecia Henry began employment as Office Assistant I/Receptionist in 2002. As the “front line person” at the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW), Ms. Henry “sets the tone” for the college through her roles as telephone receptionist and on-site contact person. Letecia was instrumental in promoting the health and well-being of staff members by leading the “GCSW Wellness Walkers,” designated Team Captain, and dubbed “Coach Henry.” She has continued to keep the GCSW Wellness Walkers on a healthy path with over 28 staff, students and faculty participating. Letecia served on UH Staff Council this past year. She was on the Events, Staff Affairs, and CFI Committees. She also was a part of several sub-committees (Spring Egg Hunt, By-Laws, Fall Forum Questions, Staff Scholarship, and CFI Banquet). Letecia learned a great deal about the university and would like to continue to represent staff in the coming years.

Name: Susan Moreno
Department: Institutional Research
Bio: Susan Moreno has worked at UH for five years. She was first hired for a one year appointment as a Visiting Scholar for the Mexican American Studies. After a two year absence, Susan was rehired as a Research Associate in the Office of Institutional Research, was promoted to Assistant Director and is now Director. Susan has taken an active role as a staff member both in her work and by participating in Staff Council events like Cougar First Impressions and the annual Sock and Blanket drive. She is committed to working with fellow staff members to make UH the best work place in Houston!

Name: Joe Papick
Department: GCSW - OCP
Bio: Joe Papick has worked on campus since 1999. He is currently Director of the Child Welfare Education Project in the Office of Community Projects, Graduate College of Social Work. He has served on Staff Council since 2003. He has served on the University Hearing Board, the Women’s Commission, the Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee, and several ad hoc groups and committees. He has been President of Staff Council and Secretary. He is very interested in continuing to represent and advocate for staff in the areas of improved benefits, salaries, career advancement opportunities, and recognitions for staff. He is committed to continuing to strengthen the image of the University and help move the University to Tier 1 status.

Name: R. Joseph Rodriguez
Department: MCL
Bio: R. Joseph Rodriguez is a UH alumnus and has worked at UH since 1999. He began as a lecturer in the Department of English and Center for Mexican American studies, and is now the Director of the Language Acquisition Center in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Department of Hispanic Studies. Joseph has shown his support of staff and students by serving on committees and offering academic and staff leadership perspectives that influence student learning and work environments. In recent years, he served as a volunteer for the Cougar First Impressions and Spring Egg Hunt events and assisted with the administration of assessments based on academic affairs in several departments. He is a loyal staff member of UH and believes in student-led research for higher levels of academic achievement and leadership engagement.

Name: Erica Sims
Department: GCSW - PSTI
Bio: Erica Sims began her career here at the University of Houston in the Graduate School of Social Work in August 2002. After graduating from Texas Southern University, she began her career here as Secretary II. She currently serves as Office Supervisor for the Protective Services Training Institute and the Child Welfare Education Project. Erica has served in this capacity for five years. She has also served as coordinator for the GCSW Programmatic Administrative Staff Association as the meeting and event coordinator. Erica has also worked as chairperson for the GCSW sock drive and has worked on numerous other committees. She is eager to serve and represent staff on the Council. Erica believes that she would be an asset to the growth of Staff Council’s voice.

Name: Patricia “Trish” Taylor
Department: GCSW
Bio: Patricia “Trish” Taylor has worked on campus since 2000. She first started as a Graduate Assistant and is now the Curriculum Coordinator in the Child Welfare Education Project in the Office of Community Projects, Graduate College of Social Work. She received both her MSW (’86) and her PhD (2004) from the University of Houston. She has served as a Staff Council member since 2006 and has worked closely with Veteran’s Affairs to support the various campus activities including Cougar First Impressions, the Annual Egg Hunt and the Staff Survey. Trish is committed to a strong Staff Council presence to advocate for improved educational and other benefits for staff in the years ahead.

Name: Ron Gonyea
Department: Utilities Services/ Electrical
Bio: Ron Gonyea began working at the University of Houston in 2005 with the Utility Services/Electrical department. Ron is currently finishing up a Staff Council term for a position left open by a resignation. He has also previously served one other year as a representative. With his past experience as a union steward, Ron is committed to collaboration and working on behalf of the staff by functioning as the communicator between the rank-and-file and the administration. Ron is so dedicated to this cause that he hosts a radio show on KPFT 90.1 titled “Voices at Work” on Fridays from 8-9pm.

Name: David Page
Department: Physical Plant/ Carpentry
Bio: David Page has worked at the UH Physical plant for the past 11 years. The majority of those years have been spent primarily doing general maintenance and carpentry work, with the exception of the 3 years he spent in the electrical department. He has served on Staff Council for two 3-yr terms. During those terms he has served on the Events Committee, Cougar First Impressions, the Staff Affairs Committee, and the Memberships & Elections Committee. David has enjoyed his time with Staff Council. He is interested in the new things they can accomplish in the coming years and hopes he will have the opportunity to play a part in it.

Name: Esmeralda Valdez
Department: ADFIN Business Services
Bio: Esmeralda Valdez has worked on campus since 1992 and graduated from the Bauer College of Business in 2003. She began as a student worker in the Bursar’s Office, was promoted to various positions within the Division of Administration and Finance, and currently serves as the Director of Business Services. Esmeralda is truly vested in exploring many and all possible opportunities to enhance the staff experience at the University.

Name: Jean Valyan
Department: ADFIN Business Services
Bio: Jean Valyan began her UH employment in the Registration and Records Office on June 3, 1969. She has held several positions throughout the campus community including GSSW-CE, University Computing, Telecommunications, Administration and Finance Business Services and part-time in Counseling and Testing during her 39 years of employment. Jean has demonstrated her concern for staff by previously serving on Staff Council as Vice-President, Membership & Elections Chair, Appointments Chair and currently as Treasurer. She currently serves on numerous university committees such as the Title IX Grievance Committee, Sexual Harassment Board, Safety & Security Committee, Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee and the Faculty/Staff Traffic Court. Jean has expressed a desire to continue working with Staff Council on issues regarding staff.

Name: Robert Walker
Department: ADFIN Business Services
Bio: Robert Walker began his employment in 1999 at the University of Houston in the University Police Department as an Office Assistant. He moved to Grant Administration at the College of Optometry soon after. Since 2001, Robert has been an employee in what has become A&F’s Business Services where he has worked in two main capacities: Policy Coordinator and Coordinator for Administration & Finance. Robert serves as a non-staff council member on the TPAC committee and has served on the Title IX Grievance Committee. He has been married to Ginger Walker (UHDPS) for 18 years and has two children.

Name: Anna Barron
Department: OAA/EEO
Bio: Anna Barron has been employed with the University of Houston for one year. She is the Affirmative Action/EEO Officer II in the Office of Affirmation/EEO. Anna serves the community through her volunteer work with several animal rescue groups in the Houston area and spends much of her free time enjoying these activities. In her role as AA/EEO Officer II, Anna has gotten to know many members of the UH community over the past year and has gained a great understanding of the needs and concerns of the UH staff. This knowledge of the UH campus and staff would make Anna a great asset to Staff Council.

Name: Leslie Pruski
Department: General Counsel
Bio: Leslie Pruski has been employed with the University since 2002. She is the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Vice Chancellor/Vice President of Legal Affairs. She is currently finishing her third year for Staff Council. She has served on the Staff Affairs Committee for two years and co-chaired the committee for one year. She also chaired the Staff Council Scholarship Committee. Leslie also serves the community through her charitable work with March of Dimes. Leslie is a great co-worker and has a strong understanding for staff concerns and student needs. She would continue to be an asset to Staff Council.

Name: Dee Kahley-Randolph
Department: DOR / OCG
Bio: Formerly a nurse devoted to the well being of others, Dee Kahley-Randolph returned to the University of Houston in 2005 and became a full-time employee. She is an active member of Staff Council for year 2007-2008 and serves on the Executive Committee as the Event Committee Chair. Dee participates in many organizations dealing with the enhancement of others in this forever-changing world. She is devoted to the integrity, reputation, and well being of all staff at the University of Houston-Main Campus.

Name: Sandy Coltharp
Department: Residential Life & Housing
Bio: Sandy has worked on campus since 1991. She began as an Assistant Director of Residence Life and was promoted to her current position as Associate Director of Residential Services. Sandy has served on Staff Council for the past three years and currently serves as President Elect. She has worked on various committees including the Staff Council Scholarship selection committee, Campus Facilities Planning Committee, Human Resources Task Force, and Food Service Management Team. She is the Co-Chair for the Cat’s Back; Catch the Pride Welcome Week Committee, volunteer for Cougar First Impressions, Frontier Fiesta, and Homecoming. Sandy is dedicated to improving the collaboration across campus, creating an environment of quality service and increasing staff involvement in the spirit of the university.

Name: Keith Kowalka
Department: University Center
Bio: Keith has worked on campus since 1998. He began as an Assistant Director, was promoted to Associate Director, and is now the Director of the University Center and Associated Facilities. Keith has demonstrated his concerns for staff by serving on numerous University committees such as the Human Resources Review Committee, the Freedom of Expression, and the University Food Service Management Team. He is the Co-Chair for the Cat’s Back: Catch the Pride Welcome Week Committee, various search committees and has served as a volunteer for Cougar First Impressions, Frontier Fiesta, SECC and UH commencement. Keith is a very concerned, caring reliable and dependable person, has served on Staff Council over the last few years and is currently the President.

Name: Sara Haynes
Department: Donor and Alumni Records
Bio: Sara Haynes has served as Manager of Donor and Alumni Records in the Advancement Services Department of University Advancement since April 2005. In this capacity, she is responsible for management of six employees who handle daily gift deposits, gift processing, receipting and biographical maintenance for UH System. She functions as a gift expert for her division and works with business administrators, development officers, and their support staff to resolve any gift related issues and answer questions concerning gift policy and procedure. Sara is enthusiastic to be an employee of the University of Houston and is very interested in becoming more actively involved in campus related community outreach. She would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Staff Council, and would be happy to serve in any capacity. Sara feels she would bring new energy and a fresh perspective as a new member and would work hard to represent University Advancement.