The results for Murray State University’s 2026 Staff Congress election have been released along with information about the winning candidates of each group. The election was held online via myGate between April 21 and April 22.

Academic Affairs: two candidates elected

Jillian Smith

Jillian Smith is the marketing coordinator for the College of Education and Human Services, being employed by the University for a year and a half. Smith is also an adjunct instructor for the Journalism and Mass Communication Department.

In the answers provided by the candidate, Smith said her background in marketing, journalism and student affairs have prepared her to represent staff and advocate for them by strengthening communication abilities.

“I am particularly interested in serving as a bridge between staff and leadership — ensuring that perspectives from across campus are heard, valued and reflected in institutional decisions,” Smith said. “I see Staff Congress as an opportunity to contribute to a positive workplace culture, support professional growth and help strengthen the sense of community at Murray State.”

Gerry Harris

A Murray State employee for 25 years, Gerry Harris is a research coordinator for the Watershed Studies Institute at the Hancock Biological Station and has experience as an administrative assistant.

Harris has served as a Girl Scout troop leader for 15 years and is also a member of advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations such as the Friends of Calloway County Library, Friends of Land Between the Lakes and the Sierra Club.

In the candidate’s provided responses, Harris said she wanted to serve on Staff Congress so she could stay informed and help faculty when it is needed. She previously served on Staff Congress for one year.

Finance and Administrative Services: two candidates elected

Taylor Snell

Taylor Snell, a Murray State employee for three years, works for the University’s Procurement Services. Snell said she is a third-generation Murray State employee who enjoys working for the University and wants to find ways to further improve the staff experience.

Outside of Procurement Services, Snell is an active member of Westside Baptist Church, serving in the Kids Ministry, and volunteers at her son’s elementary school. She is a Murray State alumna who served as an SGA senator for two years and a judicial board vice chair for one year.

“I am very active in my community, and I love to find ways to actively give back,” Snell said in her provided response.

Duane Dycus

Duane Dycus has worked at Murray State for 15 years and serves as the information security officer in the information systems department. Dycus is also the current chair of the University Parking Committee.

“I’ve been a member of Staff Congress for over 10 years serving on numerous committees,” Dycus said in his response. “I hope to continue representing my peers concerning policies and objectives that shape our work environment.”

Student Affairs and Enrollment Management: one candidate elected

Audrey Neal

Audrey Neal is the project director for TRIO Talent Search at Murray State, where she has been employed for eight years. Neal has served on Staff Congress since January 2022. In her next term, she said she wants to continue focusing on communication, transparency and advocacy in ensuring that staff feel valued and supported.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I also know there is more ahead,” Neal said in her submitted answers.

Breathitt Veterinary Center: one candidate elected 

Julianne McClain

Julianne McClain is a clinical pathology laboratory technician at Murray State’s Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where she has been employed since 2022. McClain said she intends to be a voice for off-campus employees, bridging the gap between Breathitt and the main campus.

“I hope to advocate for more equitable access to benefits, clearer communication and greater inclusion of off campus perspectives in university decision making,” McClain said in her written response. “Many BVC employees help advance the university’s mission but lack the same engagement, visibility, or support as on-campus staff. Working together, fostering understanding, and ensuring purposeful representation can help narrow these gaps.”

At Large (open to staff regardless of category): three candidates elected

Casey Workman

Casey Workman has worked on the University’s Information Systems team for 25 years, previously serving on Staff Congress for one year. In her next term, Workman plans to focus on bridging the gap between staff concerns and administrative policy, promote transparency in decision-making processes and “foster an inclusive environment where every staff member feels valued and heard.”

Robert Koehler 

Robert Koehler has worked in the University’s Facilities Design and Construction Department, previously serving on Staff Congress for about four months.

“Primarily, I would like (to) shape and accomplish the university’s goals through assisting with staff congress activities as assigned and sharing with my constituents how important it is for our university community to actively provide feedback to the staff congress,” Koehler said in his statement. “Secondly, I would like to be involved so I can be a representative for and share news with my peers in Facilities Design and Construction.”

Meagan Brawner

Meagan Brawner is the coordinator of student development in the Office of Recruitment and will have been a Murray State employee for two years in July. Brawner was previously the marketing manager for Sodexo-Racer Dining and is currently involved in the community as a member of the Murray High School Career and Technical Education Advisory Council, Future Business Leaders of America Regional and State volunteer, and a parent volunteer at both Murray Elementary School and Murray High School.

“Serving on Staff Congress, alongside my peers, would allow me to have an active role in influencing growth across campus, while focusing on enhancing both the student and staff experience,” Brawner said in her response. “My role in the Office of Recruitment has shown me just how impactful our staff are in the decision-making process for prospective students. Being a parent of an incoming Freshman myself, I am passionate about ensuring our staff have the skills and resources they need to continue to make a positive impact.”

For more information about Staff Congress

Staff Congress represents campus faculty members by using feedback to make recommendations to the University administration and Board of Regents. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Meeting agendas and live streams can be found on the Staff Congress page on the University’s website.