DePaul University Staff Council > Get Involved > Staff Council General Election > Candidate Information

Staff Council Candidate Information

It's Election Time!

Below is the list of candidates running for Staff Council along with each candidate's statement. There are 25 candidates running for 15 open positions.   

All DePaul University Staff are encouraged to vote in this year’s Staff Council election. All full-time and part-time staff members below vice presidential level are eligible to vote. Voting will open on Monday, April 6 and conclude at the end of the day on Monday, April 20.


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Articulation Coordinator, Transfer Admissions

I have been with DePaul since 2023 in our Transfer Admissions department as an Articulation Coordinator on the TrAC team. Since starting, I have worked with our students both through email in reviewing their transfer courses, as well as in-person at many of our admission events. DePaul has made me truly grow as an individual and after two years, I want to represent and aid my fellow staff. One reason I want to run for Staff Council is to support our women and LGBTQ+ staff. DePaul has many policies for safeguarding protected populations, but I feel that there is always more to be done. Possible implementations include creating ways for staff to connect, especially opportunities for staff on our Loop campus and optimizing times that work for our staff with children. In recent months, I’ve seen many colleagues leave DePaul for different ventures. During a hiring freeze and budget shortfall, we need to ensure our employees feel supported. I’d work on navigating different programs, benefits, and events for staff to ensure that not only are we retaining the staff we have, but that we remain a sought-after place to work. I would be the first-ever member of TrAC to be a member of Staff Council, and believe my demeanor, work history, and knowledge make me an excellent candidate. The goals I have build on our Mission and our commitment to social justice and community engagement. I look forward to representing all that DePaul represents, a place of support, advocacy, and allyship.

Academic Advisor, CDM

Hi, I'm Nicole (she/her), and I am an Academic Advisor in CDM who works with undergraduate School of Computing students. I've been at this position since December 2024, but I started at DePaul in October 2021 at DePaul Central as a part-time call center worker, before moving to a full-time position at the front desk of the newly minted OneDePaul Office. After becoming an Academic Advisor, I joined the DAAN Steering Committee as the Loop Campus Representative, and I work with other wonderful academic advisors on DAAN programming and meetings. I also graduated from DePaul with an MFA in Screenwriting from CDM. 

I've worn many hats since I joined the DePaul community that have helped me develop my skills and allowed me to serve my students and my fellow staff members well. 

I want to join Staff Council because I am interested in bridging the different staff offices and creating a stronger staff community at DePaul. The different offices at DePaul can feel so separate from each other, so staff working in one office won't know the needs, experiences or duties of staff in another office. Fostering this understanding would help build staff camaraderie and community, and allow Staff Council to better advocate for the needs of all staff at DePaul. I hope to be a voice on Staff Council that advocates for staff needs, and I hope to help empower other staff to advocate for themselves. 

Associate Director, Transfer Admission & Recruitment

I am honored to be considered for Staff Council. I have been part of the DePaul community for 20 years, and previously served on Staff Council nearly a decade ago. I was happy to return last year, as I believe my current role as Associate Director in Transfer Admission has further strengthened my institutional knowledge and broadened my connections across the university. These relationships allow me to represent staff perspectives thoughtfully and effectively.

Staff Council plays a vital role as the voice of staff, and I am committed to ensuring that voice is heard. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not shy and I enjoy engaging in conversation, asking questions, and sharing information. Serving on Staff Council gives me the opportunity to disseminate updates in real time, gather feedback directly from colleagues, and bring concerns forward with transparency and honesty.

As the only recruiter on Staff Council, I bring a unique perspective to university policies, operations, and our overall business model. Admissions work offers a frontline view of how decisions across campus affect students, staff, and the university’s long-term goals. I look forward to continuing to contribute this lens to the Council’s work and to advocate for a more informed, collaborative, and inclusive staff community.

Thank you for your consideration.

Executive Associate Athletics Director, Marketing & Communications, Athletics

I joined DePaul Athletics in 2021 and currently serve as the Executive Associate Athletics Director for Marketing & Communications. In my role, I oversee marketing and fan experience, communications and digital strategy, creative services, broadcast, and event operations while serving on the Athletics Executive Team. One of the things I value most about my position is the opportunity to work with so many different members of the DePaul community—from student-athletes and student interns to faculty and staff across campus—through initiatives that support our programs and enhance the overall DePaul experience.

One of my favorite parts about working at DePaul is when we have the chance to collaborate with colleagues outside of our immediate departments. Those moments when teams across the university come together to make something happen are what truly give DePaul its “family” feel. They remind me how special this community is and how much we can accomplish when we work together.

I’m interested in serving on Staff Council because I’d love to help create more opportunities for those connections across campus. My goal would be to help strengthen communication and collaboration among staff so that more people feel connected to the broader DePaul community. I would be honored to represent my colleagues and help continue building the supportive, collaborative culture that makes DePaul such a great place to work.

Administrator and Student Success Coordinator, Neuroscience

I've been at DePaul since May 2019, initially as the Assistant Director of Academic Advising for Biological Sciences and Neuroscience students. Upon successful growth of the Neuroscience program (then program, now department), I was offered and accepted the newly created role of Neuroscience Administrator & Student Success Coordinator in September 2022. In that time, I have supported and developed administrative processes for the department, and have implemented student success initiatives at various levels. I have a knack for creatively approaching new ideas for what can be done with few resources. I believe advocacy work comes naturally to me, whether I'm supporting students or colleagues. I have extensive leadership history in professional associations like NACADA (the Global Community for Academic Advising) and ILACADA (the Illinois Academic Advising Association,) and have gained excellent experience collaborating with colleagues across the landscape of higher education. I value constant learning and skill-development, and take a practical approach to reviewing existing processes and seeing where we can improve. I am confident that my 12 years experience in student success within higher education, my commitment to advocacy as part of my leadership roles, and my personable nature, would be assets to Staff Council. I thank you all for your time and consideration. 

Assistant Dean, Advising, Licensure and Student Affairs, College of Education

I wish to express my interest in continuing to serve as a staff representative on university Staff Council. With 30 years of experience at DePaul, I am excited to continue advocating for the interests and well-being of our staff community. I began service on Staff Council in 2004 and throughout my tenure I have had the honor of representing staff as Staff Council Vice President (2016-2019) and Staff Council Secretary (2013-2015). Additionally, it has been my privilege to be a member on every Staff Council committee, including as Chair for some, to represent and advocate for fellow staff in a multitude of ways.

Throughout my years at the university, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of effective advocacy, representation, and ensuring that staff voice is heard. My experience on the Staff Council has equipped me with valuable insights into the challenges and concerns faced by our colleagues across various departments and positions. I believe in the power of representation and want to ensure that every voice is respected and valued in the decision-making processes of our university.

In summary, my extensive experience and commitment to the betterment of our university community makes me a qualified and enthusiastic candidate for the role of staff representative on the Staff Council. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and collaborate with you all in advancing the interests and concerns of our valued staff members.

Thanks for considering my candidacy.

Senior Accountant, Restricted Accounting

I have been with DePaul University since 2022 as a Senior Accountant on the Restricted Accounting team. In this role, I had the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and staff across the different colleges and departments. These relationships, built through problem-solving, open communication, and exchanging insights have been some of the most meaningful part of my work.
 
Serving on the Staff Council would offer an opportunity to engage with colleagues across the university and contribute to an inclusive, informed environment. Being a member would allow me to help elevate their perspectives that may go unheard, and ensure staff members feel represented in conversation that impact their day-to day experience. 

A goal I would bring to Staff Council is to be a representative and advocate for my colleagues. Based on my own experiences, particularly during periods of transition and significant change, I've learned how essential it is that staff voices are not only heard but valued. I hope to help bridge the gaps that sometimes form between departments and promote an environment where staff feel informed, valued, and included.

Associate Director, Coleman Entrepreneurship Center

Serving on Staff Council the past two years has been an honor. During this time, I have gained a much deeper understanding of DePaul as a university and have grown to appreciate how much can be learned through collaboration with staff across departments, campuses, and roles. I currently serve as Associate Director of the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center, where I work closely with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners to build programs and opportunities that strengthen our university community. My experience on Staff Council has allowed me to contribute to meaningful initiatives while learning from colleagues who bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. I would be honored to continue serving because I believe there is still important work to do. As a Loop staff member, I would especially like to help bring more Loop representation, encourage fresh voices and ideas, and create opportunities for newer staff to feel connected and represented across DePaul. I also hope to continue supporting efforts that strengthen staff engagement, encourage collaboration across campuses, and help Staff Council remain a space where thoughtful ideas lead to meaningful impact. I am excited to continue building connections across DePaul and helping create opportunities for staff voices to shape ideas that move our university forward. Staff Council has made a meaningful difference in my DePaul experience, and I truly value the support and connection this group brings.

Associate Director, Writing Center

Hi! I am running for re-election to Staff Council. As we face challenges due to budget, staffing, and morale, I seek to support our staff through community-building, access to resources, and listening. I value collaborating as a community that advocates for us all. 

As part of the Communications committee the past 3 years, I supported the transition to Marketing Cloud for email communication, added arts events and content on resources to the monthly newsletters, and worked across committees to share up-to-date information about Council’s plans, progress, and accomplishments. It matters to me that staff are informed about Council initiatives as well as invited to events and resources that support our holistic experience. 

Since 2017, I have served as an Associate Director in DePaul’s Writing Center which supports all writers in our community, including staff. As part of Academic Affairs, I represent an area of DePaul that is interdisciplinary and cross-institutional. I am connected to colleagues across campus, which supports my capacity for and belief in collaboration. 

If re-elected, I commit to continuing to serve staff through effective communication, representation, and collaboration. I am actively engaged in the life of our university, embodying our Vincentian mission as a Mission Ambassador and in all my roles. I am confident in and proud of the work we do as staff, and I believe in celebrating our work and supporting one another.

Technology Communications Specialist, Department of Recruitment Systems and Technology

DePaul has been (and will always be!) very close to my heart since the day I began my master’s journey here. Over time, my connection with the university has grown through several roles- first as a student, then as a student employee, and later as a Graduate Research Assistant supporting faculty research and departmental initiatives. These experiences helped me understand how different departments collaborate and how much dedication staff and faculty bring to supporting our students.

Today, as a full-time staff member, I continue to learn from colleagues who care deeply about DePaul’s mission and community. One Vincentian message that resonates with me is:
“I will always welcome joyfully any opportunity that comes my way to be of service to you.” – St. Vincent de Paul.

That spirit of service reflects how I see my role at DePaul. We are a family & given this chance, my goals would be to strengthen staff connection & communication across departments by creating opportunities for staff dialogue & feedback, support initiatives that recognize and celebrate staff contributions across the university, and help bring forward practical staff perspectives that improve everyday work processes & collaboration. Even small improvements in communication and recognition can make a meaningful difference in building a more connected and supportive staff community at DePaul.

In many ways, supporting our staff community is another way we live DePaul’s message: “We Major in You.” :)

Assistant Dean of Community Resources, Dean of Students Office

I have proudly served as a professional staff member at DePaul University for nearly seven years, and as a College of Business alum and Blue Demon. My experience in the Dean of Students Office—as Senior Administrative Assistant, Student Support Specialist, and now Assistant Dean of Community Resources since January—has given me a comprehensive understanding of the student experience and institutional operations. Through this work, I have supported students in crisis, built collaborative relationships across departments, and gained insight into both the strengths of our university and the areas where growth is needed. These experiences have equipped me with a unique and holistic perspective. At a time when the university is navigating significant structural changes and operating with fewer resources, I believe it is more important than ever to foster meaningful collaboration and connection among staff. I am particularly passionate about addressing concerns related to morale, mission alignment, and sustaining momentum as we move forward. I am eager to contribute my experience and perspective to help strengthen our community and support DePaul’s continued growth and success.

Learning Experience Designer, Center for Teaching and Learning

My name is Erin Kasprzak and I'm a Senior Instructional Designer in the Center for Teaching and Learning. Since joining the University in 2011, I've been deeply invested in our community's growth and well-being, and I've seen firsthand the dedication staff put in to support the Vincentian mission, especially during challenging times.

I'm running for re-election to Staff Council because now, more than ever, staff need advocates who will listen, communicate honestly, and do the work within our power to support our colleagues.

Over the past two years as Chair of the Effectiveness Committee, I've had the privilege of reading nominations from staff willing to serve on university committees and recognizing colleagues through the Staff Excellence Award process. What continually amazes me is that despite how stretched thin we all are, staff keep raising their hands to contribute, whether it's serving on Strategic Plan Subcommittees or stepping up in countless other ways. That commitment deserves to be seen and supported.

Staff Council serves as a critical two-way avenue between staff and administration, and that role is especially important when times are tough. I appreciate your vote as we continue to support each other and work to make DePaul a better place for all of us.

Associate Director, Center for Sales Leadership

I have been a proud member of the DePaul community for nearly twelve years, and during that time I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues who embody our Vincentian mission every day. My background spans both academic and corporate environments, giving me a broad perspective on organizational culture, operational challenges, and the importance of transparent, collaborative leadership.

I am seeking a seat on Staff Council because I believe strongly in elevating staff voices and ensuring that the concerns, experiences, and achievements of staff are visible to university leadership. Staff are essential to DePaul’s success, and our insights should meaningfully shape decisions that affect our work, our students, and the future of the institution.

If elected, I will focus on strengthening communication between staff and leadership, advocating for equitable policies and professional growth opportunities, and celebrating the contributions of staff across all units. My goal is to help build a workplace where staff feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Associate Director of Academic Advising, College of Law - Student Affairs

Dear Colleagues, My name is Esther, and I’m the Associate Director of Academic Advising at the College of Law. Since I started in my role in 2023, working at DePaul has been a rewarding experience. I’m constantly inspired by the dedication of my fellow staff members and the community we build together to support our students. I am running for Staff Council because I want to be a dedicated resource and an advocate for our community. My goal is to make sure your concerns are heard and to support the well-being of the staff who make DePaul’s mission possible. Thank you for your consideration.

Associate Director, Office of Graduate Admission, COE & CMN

Hi! My name is Anavelia Mauricio, but I go by Ani. I am excited to run for re-election for Staff Council. I had the honor of serving two terms on Staff Council, and I hope to have the opportunity to serve a third term.

I have worked at DePaul University for over ten years in Graduate Admission and Recruitment, supporting different colleges across both the Loop and Lincoln Park campuses. Throughout my time here, I have built my career in admissions and recruitment, working closely with prospective graduate students and campus partners to support enrollment goals and advance the university’s mission.

Having spent over a decade at this institution, I am invested not only in its continued success but also in the well-being and professional growth of the staff community. This past year was a challenging year for many of us, and I hope to incorporate what I have learned these last four years on Staff Council into the continued work and challenges that lie ahead. If re-elected, I will continue to bring a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach and a genuine commitment to ensuring staff voices are heard and valued by listening thoughtfully, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented, and working collaboratively to address concerns and advance our shared goals for DePaul.

Thank you for your consideration. Vote for Ani! Gracias.

Stacks Maintenance Supervisor, University Library, Access Services

My name is Anna McCue, and I've been working at DePaul in the University Library since November 2024. In my role as the Stacks Maintenance Supervisor, I staff the front desk at the Richardson Library and am responsible for the maintenance of our physical collections. I am running for a seat on Staff Council so that I can extend the service-oriented work I do in my department to staff at large. As an hourly, non-exempt staff member, I would serve as a representative for those of us at DePaul who are most directly impacted by University decision-making that affects our day-to-day work. I believe communication, collaboration, and solidarity are key to making this a better workplace.

One of the best aspects of DePaul is our community. Staff, faculty, and students alike are committed to uplifting each other's voices and using their skills to serve one another. I am honored to be a part of this community, as I feel it reflects my own values of service and social justice. I hope to use my position on Staff Council to be an advocate for staff and empower others to do the same.

I would be privileged to represent the University Library on Staff Council, especially in a time when Library resources are in need of broader awareness and advocacy. We in the Library are at the forefront of the student and faculty experience, and I look forward to bringing this unique perspective to Staff Council.

Clinical Director of the Center for Counseling & Wellness, Center for Counseling & Wellness

My name is Dr. Orson Morrison, and I serve as the Clinical Director for the Center for Counseling & Wellness (CCW) in the Division of Belonging, Engagement, and Mission. I have 14 years of higher education administrative experience at DePaul University, along with many years of clinical leadership across diverse settings. Before joining CCW, I directed DePaul Family and Community Services in the College of Science and Health. Throughout my time at DePaul, I have provided clinical and administrative leadership to teams of Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and student trainees, while building strong relationships with staff, faculty, and campus partners. My roles have required me to navigate organizational change, manage complex fiscal realities, and innovate in ways that remain grounded in our institutional mission.

My career is rooted in a deep commitment to diversity, belonging, and cultivating communities of wellness; values I hope to center in my service on Staff Council. As the son of immigrants from South Africa and Guyana and a former first generation college student, I understand the cultural perspectives, lived experiences, and aspirations that many in our community carry. In a time marked by rapid change and uncertainty, our collective sense of belonging and well being is essential to our success. It would be an honor to bring my experience, perspective, and dedication to advocating for our beautifully diverse staff community through a Staff Council role.

Program Manager, Steans Center for Community-Based Service Learning

I am excited to submit my application to serve as a representative on DePaul University’s Staff Council. I currently serve as a Program Manager at the Steans Center for Community-Based Service Learning, where I have spent the past year and a half supporting community partnerships, faculty collaboration, and student engagement.

As a proud Double Demon, I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from DePaul and served as a Vincentian Fellow and student leader.

I am seeking to serve on Staff Council to bring a thoughtful and inclusive perspective shaped by my lived experience as a working mother, community advocate, and higher education professional. My master’s research explored the impact of “mother guilt” on working women, and it continues to inform my commitment to advancing policies and practices that support parents and caregivers in meaningful ways.

I am also an award-winning children’s author and founder of a nonprofit focused on empowering women and children. For over 15 years, my work has centered on maternal health, early childhood education, and advocating for underrepresented communities. I believe in the power of education, equity, and community voice, and I will work to strengthen communication, elevate staff voices, and help cultivate a more connected, responsive, and supportive workplace culture at DePaul.

Associate Director, Program Management, Study Abroad

It has been an honor to serve as Staff Council President for the past two years, and I am running again to serve another term on Staff Council. I have been at DePaul for eleven years, and I’ve been a part of Staff Council for the past seven years. I would like to continue in my role on Staff Council to keep building connections and advocating for staff across the university. I have worked diligently in my time on Staff Council to keep staff informed of important news and updates around campus, through our monthly speakers, newsletters, and other periodic updates. And I have helped provide regular opportunities for staff to express their concerns and raise issues that are important to them—followed by taking those concerns and moving them forward with university administration, through a variety of advocacy efforts as part of our shared governance. Advocating for all staff is especially critical at this moment, as we navigate the current issues facing Higher Education and go through the process of determining what DePaul will look like in the years ahead. I am committed to continuing to represent and amplify staff voices, while providing as much information and transparency as possible to staff across the university. It has been a privilege to serve the DePaul staff community in this way, and I hope to remain on Staff Council and continue to work toward these goals for another term.

Project Assistant, LAS

I have been at DePaul for 19 years, working in the Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Advising Services undergraduate college office, as a project assistant, and my family's involvement with DePaul goes back over 50 years. For our family like many others, DePaul provided the first opportunity to get a college education. It has been rewarding to serve on staff council and to be an advocate on issues such as safety and security, benefits and policies, diversity, and inclusion. I feel strongly that DePaul is the institution that it is because of the dedication of its people, especially during these lean times, and this is a great way to continue to be involved. Thank you for your consideration.

Operations & Communications Manager, Grace School of Applied Diplomacy

I am grateful for the opportunity to express my interest in re-election to Staff Council. During my third term as a staff council member, I continued to collaborate with the Effectiveness Committee to ensure that staff have a presence in university taskforce and committee groups and led the selection committee tasked with recognizing exceptional staff via the recently renamed Staff Excellence Awards. I would also be honored to continue representing Staff Council in the Staff Campaign Ambassador Committee to engage staff around the key themes, initiatives, and priorities driving DePaul’s fundraising work. During my tenure under Staff Council, I have previously collaborated with the President's Sustainability Committee, the Policy Review Group, and the LAS/ Art Institute Committee- all of which have given me the opportunity to engage with various constituencies and interests across the university to deliver on DePaul’s mission in tangible ways. Most importantly, my role in Staff Council has allowed me to convey the concerns of staff to the Council and join efforts to reach solutions together. I aspire to further serve you and all staff, and, therefore, I humbly ask for your support to be re-elected to Staff Council for a fourth term. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Production Office Coordinator, School of Cinematic Arts

I currently serve as Production Office Coordinator for the School of Cinematic Arts, where I oversee student production processes, manage project workflows, and train student staff in best practices for safe and effective filmmaking. In this role, I’ve worked to improve internal systems, streamline communication, and expand training resources to better support both students and staff across departments . I am interested in joining Staff Council to contribute to a more efficient, communicative, and supportive working environment for staff. Through my experience, I’ve seen how policy clarity and cross-department collaboration can significantly impact both workload and morale, and this is something I'd hope to bring to the forefront as a member of Staff Council. If elected, I would focus on advocating for improved operational workflows, clearer communication channels between Staff and Faculty, and initiatives that support staff development and sustainability in our roles. I value practical solutions that make day-to-day work more manageable while strengthening the broader university community, and am a firm believer in doing what I can to make sure that everyone's voice is heard, no matter how quiet it may be.

Assistant Director, Office of Professional & Career Development, College of Law

During my time as a student at DePaul, I worked as both a graduate STARS mentor in OMSA and a tutor in JumpStart. It was here that I made lifelong friends, where I found myself, and set course on an academic journey that eventually led to law school and becoming a civil rights attorney. In 2023 I started looking for the next step in my career and that led me to the College of Law. These past few years at DePaul have reminded me why I loved my time here as a student. In fact, my mom recently told me that this was the first time she ever saw me truly happy in my career, as a parent I know that this eased her mind. It is as a parent now that I want to get more involved at DePaul and run for a position on the Staff Council. My son and stepdaughter are both set to begin their freshmen year in September, and I want to ensure that they are surrounded by staff who are as happy as I am in my role. My career in civil rights was fueled by a desire to fight for the rights of others, to represent communities who were having their voices silenced. Similarly, I want to ensure that staff at DePaul are being heard because our roles are imperative to the success of thousands of students every year. This should be a place where we can stay for our careers, if we choose, without having to worry about future staff cuts. The future success of this institution matters to me on both a personal and professional level, and I want to ensure that we continue to thrive and to represent and hear all voices.

Manager, Payroll Services

I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Staff Council. With more than three years of experience at DePaul University and a strong commitment to supporting our community, I am eager to contribute to an environment where staff, faculty, and students can succeed.

During my time at DePaul, I have gained some insight into issues that can affect staff. My work has always centered on supporting our employees, this ensures they have the best possible environment to focus and be successful.

I consistently bring a collaborative, solutions-focused approach to my role. I have contributed to process improvements within my department and have partnered with colleagues across our community to streamline processes that enhance the staff experience.

If elected to Staff Council, I would be honored to help ensure that our collective voice is heard on the issues that matter most. I am dedicated to working diligently to improve the workplace experience for all employees of DePaul University, and I will bring integrity, openness, and a strong sense of service to this role.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Senior Grants & Contacts Specialist, Office of Research Services

I am a DePaul alum and returned to DePaul as a staff member in 2024 to work in the Office of Research Services. In this role, I am fortunate to work with faculty from across the university to support their intellectual and creative endeavors through external funding. With over 10 years of experience in higher education, I understand how essential staff members are to a university’s success. I am motivated to join Staff Council so that I can continue the work that Staff Council has already done to advocate for DePaul’s staff members. Specifically, I hope to find ways to support professional development for staff, find ways to encourage interdepartmental and intercampus collaboration and resource sharing, and to prioritize meaningful recognition of staff members’ contributions to the university. DePaul’s mission is its driving force, and my goal is to ensure that these values are reflected in how the university treats staff. It is a challenging time for higher education, and at this moment I feel strongly about serving as an advocate for the staff community who often don’t have a voice. Working in a central office, I see the value of connecting across units. I look forward to having more opportunities to engage with colleagues across campus through Staff Council.