Current Roster
| Staff Council President | |
| Trina Rich Executive Assistant, Office of the Associate Vice President for Faculty Send me an email  801-581-6690 |
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I have been with the University of Utah since May 1999 and have loved every minute of it. I was born and raised in Utah, mostly in the Salt Lake Valley. I am married with two boys and with my leftover time, I enjoy candy making, quilting, reading and attending school in the evenings. |
| Executive Board | |
| President-Elect Paul Larsen Applications Systems Analyst, Health Sciences Send me an email 801-587-6143 |
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I have worked for University Health Care since 1998 as a computer systems analyst, supporting software and databases for several departments including Facilities and Engineering, the hospital telephone operators, gastroenterology, and the Medical Staff Office. Additionally, I have served on various hospital committees dealing with employee recognition, and I am a current member of the Hospital Service Awards Banquet Committee. A lifelong resident of Utah, I live in Layton where I am currently raising six ardent University of Utah fans. Go UTES! |
| Secretary/Treasurer Jennifer Reed Administrative Officer, Auxilliary Services-Campus Send me an email 801-581-4033 |
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Born and raised in the Salt Lake valley, I have been privileged to be able to visit the University of Utah for arts, culture, and education since I was a small child. I started working in Auxiliary Services in 1997, while completing two undergraduate degrees, and continue to be fortunate enough to work with incredibly devoted staff doing their part to make the University of Utah the flagship institution in this great state. I am continually impressed with the commitment of staff who choose to go above and beyond their job description and play an integral part in shaping the University of Utah's positive influence on students and our community. When I'm away from the campus, I am likely up the canyon with my husband, son, and a fishing pole enjoying the mountain air. |
| Commmittee Chairs | |
| Development Committee Nakita Swanigan Admissions Counselor, Office of Admissions Send me an email 801-581-4217 |
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The University of Utah is my second home! I started at the University of Utah as a student in 2001. I graduated with my B.A. in Film Studies in May 2006 and my M.Ed. in May 2009. I have been an employee at the University of Utah since August of 2007. I am a licensed zumba instructor (come join me for a class) and love to be active. I have two children, a dog, and a partner who take the majority of my time. In my spare time, I like to try new foods & flavors, watch movies (or read a book), or enjoy the company of those I love the most. |
| Events Committee Kate Sturgeon Communications Coordinator, Athletics Department Send me an email 801-581-3510 |
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I am a transplant to Utah, having spent my early career working for Uncle Sam, living in foreign capitals. Then, my husband felt that irresistible tug home that the Wasatch Mountains has always had on him. I didn’t quite understand it then, but I do now. Jump ahead to 2008, and this uncoordinated athlete-wannabe landed in Athletics, handling information/photo/credential requests from the media and other professional entities. My husband and elder daughter are U graduates, and my younger daughter & I the rogues, having graduated from ‘other’ colleges. I love collegiate sports, playing tennis, independent film and enjoying all the Wasatch Front has to offer. |
| Legislative Committee Holly Bigelow Accountant, Commuter Services Administration Send me an email 801-581-3166 |
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I have worked part-time for the ASUU Tutoring Center, the Chemistry Department, the Business Department, and for Commuter Services. I now work full-time as an Accountant for Commuter Services, and for Rice-Eccles Stadium and the Jon M. Huntsman Center. I think it is important that we at the University recognize that our resources are limited, and so we have responsibilities to carefully prioritize how we use those resources and to diligently seek ways to achieve our goals in the most efficient and fair manner possible. I am life-long U fan, and I hope to see this University continue to grow in prestige and efficiency. We have great potential, and it would be a tragedy if we fell short of that potential. I am committed to doing my small part to help this University reach its potential, and hope those around me are willing to do the same. |
| Communications and Selections Committee Becky Lubbers Academic Advisor, College of Social Work Send me an email 801-581-3571 |
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I have been working in various offices and positions for the past 30 years. I grew up in Salt Lake City, but lived in Great Falls Montana during the 90s where I worked for the Department of Child and Family Services. My career began at the University of Utah in 1997 working in the University Student Apartments office. I moved to the College of Social Work in 1998 as Administrative Assistant to the Dean. In 2000 I began working for the Director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program and assisted in getting the program started. I have been the Academic Advisor to the BSW Program since 2001, and feel I have found the perfect job. I have one daughter, two dogs and a cat. |
| Representatives For Academic Affairs | |
| Thomas Ferrill Manager, Marriott Library Send me an email 801-587-2930 |
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I have worked for the Marriott Library at the University of Utah since August 2004. I started working part-time as a computer lab consultant, and now manage operations at the Benchmark, Sage Point, and Union Computer Labs. My goal as an employee of the Marriott Library is to promote positive interactions and provide valuable services for students, faculty, staff, and community members on campus. I hold a BA in Philosophy from the University of Utah, and am currently a Master's Degree in Public Administration. I enjoy learning, reading, hiking, rock climbing, racquetball, photography, and tinkering with computers/electronics. |
| David "Ti" Kinikini Parent & Families Coordinator, Pacific Islander Programs/ Athletics Liaison, Center for Ethnic Student Affairs Send me an email 801-587-9570 |
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Tevita Muli Suliafu Kinikini, a first generation college graduate of the University of Utah, receiving a BA in Sociology with a Criminal Justice Certificate, and working towards completing a Masters Degree in Education, Leadership and Policy. Tevita considers himself fortunate to have the opportunity to influence the young minds of the future. His family migrated from the Friendly Island Kingdom of Tonga. Tevita was raised in Salt Lake's Glendale and Rose Park area, along with brothers sisters, and many cousins. Many know this gentle giant as Big Ti. There were many influential people who took time out for me; I will honor their efforts by carrying on their Legacy in hopes for opportunities to serve others. Tevita enjoys teaching life skills through Football, Rugby, and Power lifting. He also enjoys Boy Scout activities and cooking for others. Currently Tevita works as an Academic Advisor at the University of Utah with our Pacific Islander students |
| Kay Shelton Manager, Clinical Program, College of Law Send me an email 801-585-7703 |
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I began working at the University of Utah in 2006. Prior to joining the Clinical Program staff at the College of Law in 2010, I worked in graduate admissions at the business school and as the law school's career counselor. The favorite parts of my job as Associate Director of the Clinical Program are working with students to find a good fit for their internships and reading their clinic reports. It's amazing to see what the students do and learn in clinics and how this shapes their career paths. For fun, I love to travel, especially "off the beaten path" vacations. |
| Patti Carpenter Public Relations Specialist, Natural History Museum of Utah Send me an email 801-585-6369 |
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| Karen Klc Executive Secretary, Communication Send me an email |
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| Representatives For Administrative Services | |
| Bryn Ramjoué Manager, PR/Communications, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum Send me an email 801-581-4938 |
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Bryn Ramjoué, Communications Director at Red Butte Garden is a marketing and advertising professional with experience such as corporate sports marketing for the 2000 and 2002 Olympic Summer and Winter Games, The Seattle Mariners, Seahawks and the Utah Jazz. She worked in Seattle for AT&T Wireless for over a decade, developing brand standards for the company's five divisions, launching trial products such as GoPhone and working as a national ad manager and regional marketing director. Closer to home in Salt Lake City she owned an ad agency that was named the small business of the year by the Salt Lake Chamber before taking a position where she can put her talents to use and spend time in the Garden. She lends her experience to Utah Nonprofits Association, Salt Lake Chamber and U of U PROED as an instructor on topics related to communications. |
| Bryon Buchmiller Sr. Accountant, UCard Office Send me an email 801-585-1431 |
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I have worked at the University of Utah since May 2004. I started out in the Travel Department and now work for the UCard Office. I have really enjoyed the environment and energy of the University. I really appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Staff Council and explore more that the University offers to the campus and general community. I have 4 children and an awesome wife. My next family experience will be our first teenager this year. I love everything to do with the outdoors and enjoy spending as much time there as possible. |
| Shawnee Worsley Administrative Officer, Academic Senate Send me an email 801-581-5203 |
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| Christine Paongo Police Dispatcher, Public Safety Send me an email 801-585-2766 |
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| Representatives For Core University Leadership | |
| Brian Nicholls Equal Opportunity Consultant, Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Send me an email |
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I have been a proud member of the University of Utah community since 2000. I was born and raised in Utah, completed my Undergraduate work here at the University, and graduated from law school at the University as well. I started my professional career with the University in 2010 when I took a position in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action as an Equal Opportunity Consultant. I am a person who enjoys all things nerdy, spending time with my dog, and I'm an avid runner who enjoys running races much more than I enjoy training for them. I am thrilled to help the University community thrive through my work and my membership on staff council, and I want to do everything I can to make this a great place to live, work, and learn. |
| Nathan Coombs Program Assistant, KUED Send me an email 801-581-3260 |
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I grew up in Ogden, Utah, and came to the U in 1987 as a student and have been here pretty much ever since. I got my BS in Communications in '94. I got my Postgraduate Certification in Conflict Resolution in April 2004 and was a Volunteer Mediator for the 3rd District Court from 2005-2011. I am currently the Media Librarian for KUED, Channel 7, and KUEN, Channel 9. Prior to that I worked for KUER, FM 90.1 as a Technical Assistant which included Announcing and Producing. I am married and have a daughter and in what spare time I have, I like to remodel our house, play basketball, soccer, and disc golf. |
| Representatives For Health Sciences | |
| Sharon Benavides Administrative Officer, Communication Sciences & Disorders, College of Health Send me an email 801-581-6726 |
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I started at the U of U in 1997. I left in 2001 and returned in 2006. I received my B.S. degree in Anthropology from the University of Utah and currently work in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders as the Administrative Officer. I have served on several University Committees and am happy to give back to the University Community through my service. |
| Michael Berg Refrigeration & AC Mechanic Send me an email 801-581-2781 |
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I have been on staff at the University of Utah Hospital since 2004. I have lived in Utah all my life and love it here. My hobbies include travel, camping, fishing and playing on my computer. My most important role in life is being a husband to my beautiful wife and a father to six wonderful children. |
| Mike Black, CEPS, NREMT Board Certified Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist, Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab Send me an email 801-585-1008 |
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I am currently working in the Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab, where I started as the Education Manger in March of 2011. I have worked in medicine for over 24 years with the last 14 years in the specialty of cardiac electrophysiology, where I am board certified. Before that, I worked as a firefighter/paramedic. I am originally from Sacramento, CA and Phoenix, AZ, where I met and married my beautiful wife in July of 2002. We have 4 wonderful, yet challenging, children (two with autism). I look forward to working with the staff council to serve as a contact point and liaison for the University of Utah Health Care system. I am a member of The Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), which is the world leading organization on cardiac electrophysiology, The American College of Cardiology and The American Heart Association. I have also been the chair for the HRS allied professionals education committee. I have a strong commitment to my family as well as my patients. |
| Spencer Daines Supervisor, Hospital Customer Service Send me an email 801-585-1768 |
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| Shayla DeGooyer Academic Specialist, College of Nursing Send me an email 801-587-7729 |
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I have been a proud mom for 21 years. Currently, I am exploring life as an individual and enjoying it. This includes going back to school to finish earning my BA in Anthropology. I look forward to spending time with my husband, our 2 boys and our family and friends. One of our favorite past times is being on the water. We love running rivers and boating on the beautiful lakes around Utah. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, camping, and spending time at our cabin. I began working for the University of Utah in 1993 and appreciate the campus community and landscape. I have been working in the College of Nursing since January 2004. |
| B.J. Fullmer Administrative Assistant, Ophthalmology Services Send me an email 801-581-5330 |
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I grew up close to the U of U in Salt Lake and earned a BS from U in Communication. While a student, I served in ASUU and LDSSA. I now work at the John Moran Eye Center as an Administrative Assistant on the Institutional Advancement team (Communications, Marketing and Development). Before working at the U, I ran a non-profit organization from home (AMCAP), served as PTA President, was a substitute school teacher and my favorite job as a ski bus mom. I am married to Brian and we have four great children. |
| Michael Hall Staff Development Educator, Hospital IT Training Send me an email 801-587-6150 |
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Michael has been working for University Health Care's Education and Development department since the summer of 2008. Before his start as a trainer, Michael worked in the Neuro ICU at the University Hospital as a Critical Care Tech (CCT). As a CCT, Michael loved acquiring the experience he gained of working with patients, patient's families as well as other medical professionals. Michael graduated from the University of Utah with Bachelor's degrees in Speech Communication and Psychology in the spring of 2008 and is happy he was able to stay with the University upon graduation. In his free time, Michael loves skiing, snowboarding, and going to REAL Salt Lake games. He also enjoys vacationing with his wife. |
| Anna Jolley Manager, Clinical Research, Pediatric Cardiology Send me an email 801-587-8975 |
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I have worked for the University of Utah since 2002 where I started part-time in the bookstore as a student. Currently, I manage all research for the Division of Pediatric Cardiology in the Department of Pediatrics. I hold a BS in Human Development and Consumer studies from the University of Utah and am also a Certified Clinical Research Professional. I am married to Brian who works for the University Hospital as a financial analyst, and we are raising our two young daughters to be avid Utes fans. On the weekends you will find me poring over home decorating blogs, watching bad reality television, and playing with my girls. |
| Julia Konopasek Academic Program Support Specialist, Physical Therapy Send me an email 801-585-9510 |
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I've lived in several places across the country, and I've had the extremely good fortune to land in Salt Lake at the U for the second time in my life. Currently, I'm the advisor for the physical therapy program; previously I earned my master's degree from the English department. When not on campus, I can be found hiking the beautiful Wasatch Mountains or reading a book, but not simultaneously. My husband is currently pursuing his PhD here; we have 3 young adult children and 1 old beagle. |
| Representatives For Student Affairs | |
| Courtney DeMond Academic Advisor, Family And Preventive Medicine Send me an email 801-585-6225 |
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I have been with the University of Utah, Division of Public Health since 2007 and thoroughly enjoy my job. I am the Academic Advisor to all of the students in the MPH, MSPH, MPH Joint Degrees and Certificate programs within the Division of Public Health. I coordinate all aspects of the student programs, initial advising, admissions, graduation, departmental course management and assists with Global Public Health. I am originally from Utah but have spent some time in San Diego for a change of scenery. I enjoy reading, movies, traveling and spending time with my husband and two dogs. |
| Emily Johnson Coordinator, Administrative Program, Registrar's Office Send me an email 801-581-3737 |
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| Ex-Officio Members | |
| Marcia Cook - Past President Administrative Manager, Center for Science and Math Education Send me an email 801-587-9255 |
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| Chris Bone - Human Resources Director, Employee Relations Send me an email 801-581-5469 |
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| Andrea Brown - Human Resources Director, Operations and Logistics Send me an email 801-581-2119 |
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Andrea has worked for the Division of Human Resources at the University of Utah since 1999. She is currently the Director of Employment Services, which includes recruitment, staff employment, student employment, operations, and HR consulting. Her previous positions at the University of Utah include Director of Training & Development, Manager of Employee Relations, and Equal Opportunity Investigator. Prior to working at the University, Andrea worked for six years at the Utah Anti-Discrimination and Labor Division. Andrea has an M.S. in Organizational Communication from the University of Utah and a B.A. in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Montana. Andrea has been conducting training and presentations since 1992 to groups throughout Montana and Utah |
| Christian Sherwood - Hospital Human Resources Director, Communication and Employee Relations Send me an email 801-587-0788 |
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| It is with heavy hearts that we note the passing of our friend and colleague, Tom Loveridge. He was instrumental in so much of what the Staff Council does, and his experience and leadership will be truly missed! | |
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Obituary |