Story by Paige Effinger, Contributing Writer
Three people are in the running in the upcoming Staff Regent election. The elected person will serve as a representative on the Board of Regents at Murray State.
The election is every three years, and this year’s nominees are Carol Brunn, SG Carthell and Phil Schooley, the current staff regent.
Candidates for staff regent must be a full-time staff member, classified as a non-teaching personnel and have been employed continuously at Murray State for at least three years as of March 6, 2018.
Two forums were held for people to meet the candidates. The forums were in the Curris Center Theater at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1.
Carol Brunn
Brunn works in the Office of Development and has been at Murray State for 16 years. According to her candidate profile, Brunn has had prior experience that will help her with this position. She said she currently serves on two volunteer boards and has worked closely with Murray State’s director of government relations.
Brunn said if she were to be elected, she would ensure the staff is fairly represented on the Board of Regents.
“I will be an effective communicator with the staff and make sure that information is delivered in a clear and concise manner,” she said.
SG Carthell
Carthell works in Student Affairs and has worked at Murray State for almost 14 years. Cathrell has served on numerous committees including the Strategic Committee for Student Success, Strategic Committee for Academic Success, President’s Commission for Diversity and Inclusion, President’s Commission for Retention, Enrollment Management Committee, University Budget Committees and City of Murray Human Rights Commission.
Although Carthell is heavily involved, in his candidate profile he said he works hard to ensure that everyone he interacts with feels valued.
“I feel my most important work has been my ability to build bridges and create opportunities and win-win situations for the staff, faculty and students I am fortunate to work with,” he said.
Phil Schooley
Schooley is the current staff regent and also works for the telecommunication systems management department. He has worked at Murray State for 17 years and he has been the staff regent since 2009.
As the staff regent, he has served on numerous Board of Regent’s specific committees as well as committees such as the Faculty and Staff Insurance and Benefits Committee and the Faculty and Staff Leadership Committee outside of the Board of Regents.
If reelected, Schooley said in his candidate profile he wants to continue the work he does with Staff Congress, the Administration and the Board of Regents to assure that projects and policies are in place to aid the staff.
“I want to be a strong voice to promote and protect the interests of the Murray State University staff members,” he said. “I wish to be an advocate for every staff member and want all staff members to feel free to contact me at any time.”
Staff members will be able to vote online Tuesday, March 6 through Thursday March 8.
