Chris Burkett, the assistant dean for student services in the College of Education, spent over 30 years in the field of education, including 11 as a social studies teacher in middle and high schools. He has been a member of Staff Senate since its inception five years ago, representing his colleagues in education before moving to the executive committee. He became president in August.
Why did you get involved in Staff Senate?
Burkett: I got involved in Staff Senate to make an impact. I wanted to ensure that my fellow staff members had a voice in the decision making that was happening at the university, and I was excited when Staff Senate was organized. This is only its fifth year, so we're still a relatively young organization, but to be able to collectively encompass the voice of staff and be able to present that forward, especially on a very positive, problem-solving note, was very important to me.
What are some of Staff Senate’s accomplishments in its first five years?
Burkett: I think it has accomplished many enhancements and advancements for our campus. One is the staff ombudsperson. Having Robynn Pease on our campus to just work with staff — as faculty have their own ombudsperson and students have theirs — is a major victory for staff. We have somebody who is staff-centric. Staff Appreciation Day is another accomplishment. To have a moment where all of the staff at the university, all 5,000-plus of us, can get together and be appreciated and feel appreciated, is a major accomplishment for what we as an organization set out to do. Another huge accomplishment is having representation on various search committees for leadership. I think that lends voices to those who are impacted by leadership change and gives them a seat at the table, which I think is vitally important. Staff senate was started to promote staff recognition, retention and staff's reputation, and I think we have made important milestones in this effort.
What are your priorities as president?
Burkett: I designated our Staff Senate theme this year as connect, empower and lead, because I really think it's all about relationships. So that connection is important for staff senators to their constituents, as well as to each other, to help empower them to know that they have a voice. Sometimes I think many feel voiceless, or that ‘my thoughts and opinions don't matter,’ when they truly do. And then it’s about helping individuals lead, because I firmly believe that leadership isn't about titles, it's about action. And we can all collectively do something to better ourselves and this university in many, many positive ways.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Burkett: Staff Senate wants their colleagues to know that they are valued and heard. If you don't feel like you're being heard, you don't feel like you're being valued, maybe we can be that validation for you. We may not be able to make specific changes, but we can hear you and we want to inspire others to do the same, because it truly has that ripple effect.