All-Faculty & College Faculty Governance Elections

All-Faculty, College, and At-large Faculty Governance Interest Statements

  • Academic Senate - At-large Senator; 1 Semester Term (Fall 2025) *If not filled, the size of the Academic Senate adjusts.

    *Per Academic Senate By-laws Article III, Section 3.3, nominations received in the original call were published on 2/25/2025 and additional nominations will be received for this seat through 3/3/2025. 

    • Elizabeth Burch, Communication Studies; self-nominated

      As a current representative for HSSA on the Academic Senate, I am asking for your trust as I run for the At-large Senate seat during this difficult time at SSU. My 26 years of teaching, scholarship and service experience across campus makes me highly qualified for this position. Most recently, while Senator, I have served as Chair of the COMS department, Co-chair of the Queer Faculty and Staff Association (QFaSa), and a member of the HSSA college curriculum committee. I have also become increasingly active in the union. My greatest joy has been my service to the URTPS, where I have been privileged to work to mentor faculty. As Senate rep, I worked to advocate for faculty and students in decisions related to resource allocation, workload, and policies that impacted our ability to teach and engage effectively. Above all, I remained steadfast in demanding transparency from the administration and insisting on collaborative faculty governance. If reelected, I will ensure that the faculty will to be taken seriously in the Senate. I will vote to protect your rights and will work toward outcomes that support the university’s mission. That includes staying true to our highest value: fostering excellence in teaching and scholarship.

      After surviving all of the ups and downs at Sonoma State, this year can easily be characterized as the most challenging time we have ever had on campus. At such moments, we need to look to our colleagues who can offer their institutional memory. These insights can guide us toward a more humane future, especially when we, as a community, are devastated by the layoffs and closing of precious programs. All of us, as a family, are angry, saddened, and worried for the future. The recent budget cuts have done us in but (I argue) we are not out. Now, more than ever, it is essential that the Senate advocates to prioritize faculty and student needs. Only through steadfast dedication can we protect the quality of our academic programs. These goals are especially important as we are forced to navigate the effects of austerity. The Senate should be striving to maintain our university’s academic standards and reputation while committing to compassion. As your Senator representative, I will be dedicated to doing just that since, after all, teaching is a work of heart. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.​

    • jen johnson, English; self-nominated

      As a faculty member dedicated to shared governance and academic integrity, I am running for the at-large seat on the Academic Senate.

      I am currently serving as an interim member of EPC, the chair of the University Studies Curriculum Committee, and have served the University in a number of other capacities since I joined the faculty in 2019, including: Voices from the Margins; Middle Leadership Academy (2024-2025); Faculty Fellow for University Studies and Transition Programs; AI in Higher Education FLC; and the chair of the English department’s curriculum committee.

      I am also active in state-wide and national professional organizations, including the California Association of Teachers of English, for which I have been the chair of the Resolutions Committee representing the Central Council, which means representing the K-12 schools, junior colleges, and universities in the region surrounding SSU.

      Like all of you, I have seen how deeply people (faculty, staff, students, and community members throughout our region), have been impacted by the proposed program discontinuances. This reality has only strengthened my commitment to ensuring that faculty—not just administrative mandates—shape the academic policies that define our university.

      Regardless of our home department or school, or research methodology or interests, I know our strength lies in collective advocacy. We must work together to defend our disciplines, push back against harmful top-down decisions, and ensure that faculty governance remains central in shaping our academic future.

      Therefore, if elected, I pledge to do my very best as a senator. I pledge to listen, learn, and to stand with you all.

      Thank you for your consideration.

    • John P Sullins, Philosophy; self-nominated

      We are in dire times. The faculty has been damaged and divided by outside forces that wish to deadmall this university a few departments at a time. If we do not change the way we govern, there will be nothing left to govern. Our students depend on us to make good decisions that will provide them with the support and the programs that they deserve. I am from the embattled Department of Philosophy where we study social justice, ethics, and law, all of which are in short supply here at Sonoma State. I joined this faculty in 2003, and since that time I have served on the Senate, chaired the Philosophy department, was a longtime member of the GE sub-committee, authored an SSU GE review, helped found the FYE program, Science 220, The Humanities Learning Communities, assisted in forming the SSU maker space, serve as a board member and program director for the Center for Ethics Law and Society, and I am currently a member of EPC. I run a summer fencing master training program that is unique to the US and attracts students from across the country and the globe. I also assist the theater arts department in fight directing and stunts as needed in their productions. I live a life devoted to the sciences and the arts both humane and martial and I have worked with many of you on multidisciplinary projects and research. The need is dire and we are at an existential moment, and I want to fight.

  • Statewide Senator; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    *Per Academic Senate By-laws Article III, Section 3.3, nominations received in the original call were published on 2/25/2025 and additional nominations will be received for this seat through 3/3/2025. 

    • Missy Garvin, Psychology; nominated by Lauren Morimoto

      I am a Professor in the Psychology Department, where I have been full-time faculty since 2011. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving multiple terms on our Academic Senate, including a year on the Executive Committee, along with participation in various other campus committees. These experiences have deepened my commitment to shared governance and the well-being of our academic community. Due to this commitment, I would be honored to serve as your next Statewide Senator.

      In addition to my service within SSU, I have held roles that involve significant inter-campus collaboration. As the Faculty Director of Service-Learning, I work closely with colleagues across the California State University system. I have also been an active participant and leader in an affinity group across COPLAC institutions, further expanding my understanding of the broader challenges and opportunities within higher education.

      These experiences have enriched my perspective on the importance of advocating for both our campus and the system as a whole. If elected as your Statewide Senator, I will work to represent the needs of our university while addressing the broader concerns facing our CSU system. It would be an honor to serve my colleagues and contribute to our academic community, especially at this critical juncture in our University’s future. 

    • Elaine Newman, Mathematics and Statistics; self-nominated

      Colleagues, I have been honored to be your statewide, academic senator for the last three years. This current year I was selected by state senate leadership ro be chair of the faculty affairs committee, one of four standing committees of the ASCSU. As your senator, I have been vocal in asserting our rights as faculty and our academic freedom. Serving on the ASCSU has been an eye-opening experience to how far shared governance has eroded at both our statewide and local levels. With my long experience in faculty governance, and leadership in CFA, I would be proud to continue representing you for one more term.

  • Academic Planning, Assessment, and Resources Committee (APARC) - At-large Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Willie Gin, Political Science; self-nominated

      I am an Associate Professor in Political Science who joined the faculty in 2018. I have previously served on the Senate Diversity Subcommittee, the General Education Subcommittee, and Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Committee. My interest in serving on APARC is to protect the core value of liberal arts education, which is under budgetary attack from multiple directions, at both the national level and from our own administration. As a member of the committee I would like to use the committee’s budgetary investigation and recommendation powers to address the harms of the recent cuts to the university, both to liberal arts instruction and for vulnerable student populations. This would include advocating for increased budgetary transparency from the administration and for putting the actual needs of faculty and students at the top in making budgetary recommendations. Thank you for your consideration.

  • Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS) - At-large Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

    • Sandy Ayala, Educational Leadership and Special Education; self-nominated

      I have been involved in all aspects of academic technology on this campus since 2011. I was on the original Committee when it was called the presidents committee on technology before it was ATISS. I was the first chair of ATISS and chaired for six years. I have remained on ATISS and work hard to achieve the set goals collaboratively with the new chair and other committee members. I am a partner to CTET and have been involved in providing campus workshops on academic technology for the past decade. I have played a role in setting the campus technology standards, running pilots on software, establishing canvas as the LMS, determining technology standards for all classrooms on campus, online learning, and helping the campus move forward with various academic technology initiatives including the current work in ChatGPT and AI. I have also been the chair of the accessible technology initiative committee for the past 13 years. It has been extremely helpful to represent in both of these areas over the years to ensure we are working in concordance with one another. I have been contributing to the work of academic technology and learning spaces on this campus for nearly 14 years. I believe this is where I have the most to offer and would like to continue doing this work.

  • Dispute Resolution Board (DRB) - At-large Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Sakina Bryant, English; self-nominated

      Three years of service as past Chair of the Dispute Resolution Board, with an additional year as a member of the DRB, was one of the most gratifying experiences of my time at Sonoma State University and where it seemed to me that great positive change occurred in what seemed at times like a space of infinite possibility for catharsis (weirdly). The DRB is such an intriguing, yet somewhat overlooked, slice of our shared governance that requires extreme fairness and creative consideration towards a restorative justice model for all parties involved -- and the absolute understanding of what that means. For this board, one must be highly collaborative, communicative, and able to set aside ones' own judgement and bias while also knowing policy and at times law very well. It was Laurel Holmstrom-Keyes, our former Senate Analyst, who not only spearheaded the creation and implementation of the DRB but who served as an Ex Oficio member while I worked on it previously, and through Laurel, I came to understand the spirit of the board's work and how to think through even the most extraordinary of dilemmas. I also learned from every colleague on the board whom I worked with. The experience of trying to create the most positive solutions for even the most tangled up, complex, and/or painful issues -- which are what the DRB tend to see as formal or negotiated resolutions are what we turn to when informal ones in office break down or the harms themselves seem insurmountable -- while also maintaining confidentiality was one that I really enjoyed and know would be a pleasure again. It never actually felt like "work" to me whatsoever, just kind of quiet service to our institution and all of its members.

      I believe what probably best informed my appreciation for the complexity of this role was my very long-standing commitment and work done in my capacity as a Philosophy faculty member living within the world of ethics, plus my adjacent and past non-academic work in the Santa Rosa/Roseland community, where I was profoundly involved with issues of promoting fairness in the community for our undocumented migrants and immigrants who were caught in a complicated legal and ethical web of deportations prior to the passage of statewide sanctuary policies, with similar work spent in working on solutions for racial profiling and police brutality within our greater community -- where I spent time on inquiry, observation, documentation, legal considerations, and listening to issues and people experiencing inequity and abuse in Sonoma County's law enforcement system and jails. Not to compare Sonoma State to a jail system as that is not analogous, but certainly both are institutions which require thoughtful understandings of moral complexity and often ambiguity, not to mention situations of real impasse or harm done.

      There is something that ticks inside of me always that longs for people to be treated with justice and dignity which runs well outside of my academic work, although my academic work is also indebted to questions of literary production in spaces of genocide, war, or conflict. To have the opportunity to promote ethical fairness at Sonoma State through DRB is a good way that I can contribute here. While I am utopian in my beliefs, I balance this with pragmatism because on the one hand, there is the possible and ideal while on the other hand, there is the reality of any situation. The Dispute Resolution Board requires this difficult balance and a sort of love for the work done there.

      I would therefore greatly appreciate your vote for this position.

  • Faculty Standards and Affairs Committee (FSAC) - At-large Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

    • Mackenzie Zippay, Biology; self-nominated

      As faculty who has been here for some time, and been involved in other faculty governance, I am interested in getting more involved to bring an active roll with the university by understanding more of the SSU policies and regulations.

    • Suzanne O'Keeffe, Educational Leadership and Special Education; self-nominated

      I am writing to express my interest in serving on the Faculty Standards and Affairs Committee. As an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership and Special Education department, I am committed to upholding faculty rights, ensuring clear and fair policies, and fostering a professional academic environment that supports both faculty and institutional success. I understand the critical role this committee plays in maintaining alignment between SSU policies and the CFA contract, and I am eager to contribute to discussions on compliance, faculty professionalism, and policy refinement. I recognize that this is a small but essential committee where attendance and active participation are vital. I am prepared to dedicate the necessary time and effort to engage thoughtfully in policy review, address faculty concerns, and support the shared governance of our institution. I appreciate your consideration of my nomination, and I would be honored to contribute to the important work of the Faculty Standards and Affairs Committee.

  • Overlay Subcommittee (OL) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member, at-large; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025) - To be appointed by Structure & Functions from Interest Statements Received

  • Structure & Functions (S&F) - At-large Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025)

  • Structure & Functions (S&F) - At-large Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

  • Student Affairs Committee (SAC) - At-large Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Talena Sanders, Communication Studies; self-nominated

      I am interested in serving on the Student Affairs Committee during these difficult times because I want to help in any way that I can to ensure our students' university experience does not further degrade due to these devastating cuts. I have previously served on the Basic Needs Initiative that helped establish programs like Lobo's Food Pantry and events to help students sign up for CalFresh to address food insecurity within our student community. It is difficult to learn if you are also navigating the anxieties of food or housing insecurity. I am interested in any opportunity to support our students' quality of life.

      I am also concerned about student recruitment and retention. The CSU priced in a 10 - 16% SSU student population loss over the next 2 years due to the cuts (per the data provided by Interim President Cutrer during the Press Democrat virtual town hall on 2/12). It is my belief we can't afford to lose even one student, so as part of shared governance I would like to push back against administrative actions that lead to such significant impacts to our student population. I want to be a part of understanding and strategizing how to better recruit and retain students in our campus community.

  • Senate Diversity Subcommittee (SDS) - At-large Member; 1 semester Term (Fall 2025)

    • Natalia Villanueva-Nieves, Chicano and Latino Studies; self-nominated

      My name is Natalia Villanueva-Nieves. I am an assistant professor in the Chicano and Latino Studies department. I seek your support to serve as an at-large representative for the Senate Diversity Subcommittee. Since starting my appointment at SSU in 2020, I have focused my teaching, research, mentorship, and service on advancing equity and inclusion. My interdisciplinary education in ethnic studies has trained me to produce original research centered on the knowledge of communities that have been historically underrepresented in scholarship. My professional and educational experiences have equipped me to develop teaching and mentorship practices that meet the specific needs of students from systematically excluded groups in academia. I have designed and taught upper-division courses that provide students with intellectual, emotional, and practical tools to examine respectfully the struggles Latinx communities face across the U.S. regarding race, gender, class issues, and citizenship status. My classes also aim to help students of color validate their communities' cultural, social, intellectual, and political practices as legitimate knowledge and scholarly methods.

      My service record at the university level also matches my commitment to students and diversifying higher education. I have worked as an elected college representative on the Scholarship Subcommittee and a President’s appointee on the President’s Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Advisory Council. I envision continuing my university service in advancing equity and inclusion as an elected member of the Senate Diversity Subcommittee. Thank you for your consideration.

  • Sonoma State Enterprises (SSE) Board of Directors (BOD) - Faculty Representative; remaining 2.5yr Term (Spring 2025 - Spring 2027) *To be appointed by Structure & Functions from Interest Statements Received

    • ​Karen Thompson, Business Administration; self-nominated

      I would be honored to serve as one of the faculty representatives on the Sonoma State Enterprises Board of Directors. During my 20+ years at Sonoma State, I have been actively involved in department, School, and University committees, and I've also served in various administrative roles. Through these experiences, I've been able to expand my knowledge of the processes and complexity involved in running a campus, and to take the time to think carefully about how certain decision paths could impact students, faculty, and staff. I would be grateful to have the opportunity to use this experience as a faculty representative on the SSE BOD.

  • Sonoma State Enterprises (SSE) Board of Directors (BOD) - Faculty Representative; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028) *To be appointed by Structure & Functions from Interest Statements Received

    • Michael Visser, Economics; self-nominated

      I feel like my background in economics, and also my earlier history in banking, provides me with a good understanding of how entrepreneurial organizations function. My experience at SSU, including as faculty, department chair, within governance structures such as APARC, also provide me with a perspective on how entrepreneurial activities on a university campus can contribute to our primary mission.

  • Teaching and Learning Subcommittee (TLS) - At-large Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Jinglin Jiang, Business Administration; self-nominated

      I am an Associate Professor in Accounting who joined SSU in 2017. My experience serving on several committees at SSU, including School Professional Development, the Academic Senate, and the Election Committee, has given me a broad perspective on faculty support, shared governance, and academic excellence. As TLS continues to evolve, I look forward to collaborating with colleagues on innovative approaches to professional development, enhancing teaching practices, and fostering a vibrant academic community. I am also eager to explore ways to support faculty in achieving their research goals, recognizing that a strong scholarly foundation enriches both teaching and the student learning experience. I value inclusivity, evidence-based decision-making, and open communication, and would be honored to contribute to the committee's important work. Thank you for considering my nomination.

  • University Standards Subcommittee - At-large Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

  • University Studies Curriculum Committee - Library Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025) - To be appointed by Structure & Functions from Interest Statements Received

 

College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies Faculty Governance Representatives

  • Academic Senate - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Senator; 2.5yr Term (Spring 2025 - Spring 2027) *If not filled, the size of the Academic Senate adjusts.

  • Academic Senate - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Senator; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028) *If not filled, the size of the Academic Senate adjusts.

    • Paula Lane, Literacy Studies and Elementary Education; self-nominated

      I would like to continue to serve as a senator for the College of ECES. The seat would allow me to represent colleagues and programs across a range of departments including teacher education, early childhood studies, ethnic studies, modern languages, counseling, and liberal studies. It is true that we are in an unprecedented time in many ways. My desire to participate in the work of problem solving, thinking about options, listening, voting, reading and drawing on institutional memory to both help fight for change and avoid past mistakes is my motivation. If others in my college were interested in doing the same, I would happily step aside. But this service is often considered too time consuming, and frankly too hard. In my college we senators type up notes after each meeting that are posted the following Monday and I will continue that practice if elected.

  • Academic Planning, Assessment, and Resources Committee (APARC) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 2yr Term (Spring 2025 - Spring 2027)

  • Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 1 semester Term (Fall 2025 semester)

  • Faculty Standards and Affairs Committee (FSAC) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025 semester)

    • Kim Hester Williams, English; self-nominated

      I have been a tenure-line faculty member at SSU for 27 years. While my home department is English, I have been an affiliate faculty member in the AMCS department since my tenure-track hire. I was, in fact, first hired as a lecturer in AMCS in 1997. I have served as Chair of both the English and AMCS departments and I currently serve on the Ethnic Studies Council. During my tenure at SSU I have served on many governance committees, including the GE Subcommittee and URTP. Consequently, I have a wide range of experience from serving at every level of faculty governance--department, school, and university-wide. I believe this will enable me to bring valuable knowledge and experience to the FSAC committee. I thank you in advance for your confidence and your vote.

  • Faculty Subcommittee on Scholarly Activities (FSSA) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Silvio Machado, Counseling; self-nomination

      I am nominating myself for the College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies seat on the Faculty Subcommittee on Scholarly Activities (FSSA) for the 2025-2028 term. I am an associate professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling in the Department of Counseling. During my time as a tenure-line faculty member, I have been engaged in service across the University. At the department level, I have served as lead faculty on our program’s national accreditation, as chair of faculty search committees, and as a member of our departmental RTP committees. In what was previously called the School of Social Sciences, I have been involved as a member of the Social Justice and Internship Task Forces, and the school’s Professional Development Subcommittee. In the School of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies, I have served as a member of the Curriculum Committee. At the University level, I have served as member and chair of the Senate Diversity Subcommittee, and have served as lead faculty on a number of Senate Diversity Subcommittee working groups, including the SDS Faculty Reparations, Faculty Evaluation, and the Pronoun Task Forces. Lastly, at the University level, I have served as a member of Graduate Studies Subcommittee and the Scholarship Committee.

      I am interested in FSSA because I would like to support our faculty in their pursuit of cutting-edge research, scholarship, and creative activities. Although Sonoma State prioritizes teaching, our faculty are committed to innovative research and scholarship aimed at understanding the world and make it a more just and equitable place for all. As a member of FSSA, I would be honored to collaborate with other committee members who feel similarly about the scholarly and creative contributions our faculty members make in their respective fields. I would look forward to working with members of FSSA to review grant and contract applications that support faculty scholarship that carries the mission of our university forward.

      I hope you will consider voting for me for this faculty governance position.

  • General Education Subcommittee (GE) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Justine Law, Hutchins; self-nominated

      I am interested in serving on the GE Subcommittee for two reasons. First, as a faculty member in the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies, I teach across multiple GE areas in our Lower Division GE Program, so I have a unique lens on GE, and I’m prepared to advocate for each departments’ distinctive GE offerings. Second, in this abhorrent moment, I want to ensure that our students continue to receive a compelling, transformative GE experience. I don’t want to see, for instance, a widescale attempt to replace GE courses that our faculty have spent years developing and teaching with generic course offerings from CSU Fully Online.

  • Student Affairs Committee (SAC) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

  • Scholarship Subcommittee - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Elizabeth Ducy, Educational Leadership and Special Education; self-nominated

      I would not be here without the scholarships I received for my undergraduate and graduate education, and serving on the Scholarship Subcommittee would allow me to have a part in paying forward invaluable financial support to SSU students. In the past three years, I have undergone a crash course on the financial aid process as  Co-PI on a Federally funded grant that provides tuition support to special education credential students. However, there is much more to learn, and I am eager to support students at all levels of their education, including undergraduates and graduates.

  • Scholarship Subcommittee - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 2.5yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

  • University Standards Subcommittee - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Elizabeth Ducy, Educational Leadership and Special Education; self-nominated

      I am interested in serving on the University Standards Subcommittee to learn more about university policies. I occasionally have students seeking advice on issues such as readmission, and understanding the policies in place will allow me to better assist them in navigating their situation. Additionally, the knowledge gained from this committee will contribute to any future work as chair when supporting faculty and students facing these issues and, hopefully, in a proactive way, preventing some cases from occurring.

  • University Program Review Subcommittee (UPRS) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 2.5yr Term (Spring 2025 - Spring 2027)

  • University Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Subcommittee (URTP) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 2.5yr Term (Spring 2025 - Spring 2027)

    • Kim Hester Williams, English; self-nominated

      I have served several terms on URTP in the past and, as a result, gained experience and perspective about the process. I have also served at the School level of review for what was previously the School of Arts and Humanities. This academic year I am serving at the department level--chairing both the English and AMCS committees. I would like to return now to the URTP level. I believe that my previous experience on URTP--including helping to shape policy and procedure--as well as mentoring many faculty as they navigated the system and successfully obtained tenure, will contribute positively to the work of the URTP committee. I have always worked to support junior and mid-career faculty, at every level of review. I would like the opportunity to continue doing so, once again, as a member of the URTP committee.

  • University Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Subcommittee (URTP) - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies (ECES) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Rhianna Casesa, Literacy Studies and Elementary Education; self-nominated

      I have been the FSAC Liaison to URTP for the past two years so appreciate the work and dedication of this committee. I look forward to using my expertise on this committee. As FSAC liaison to URTP for the past 2 years, I am looking forward to continuing my work with URTP as a formal member.

 

College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts Faculty Governance Representatives

  • Academic Senate - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Senator; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028) *If not filled, the size of the Academic Senate adjusts.

    • Elizabeth Burch, Communication Studies; self-nominated

      As a current representative for HSSA on the Academic Senate, I am asking for your trust as I run for this Senate seat again during this most painful of periods at SSU. My 26 years of teaching, scholarship and service experience across campus makes me highly qualified for this position. Most recently, while your Senator, I have served as chair of the COMS department, Co-chair of the Queer Faculty and Staff Association (QFaSa), and member of our college curriculum committee. I have also become increasingly active in the union. My greatest joy has been my service to the URTPS, where I have been privileged to work to mentor faculty. As Senator rep, I worked to advocate for faculty and students in decisions related to resource allocation, workload, and policies that impacted our ability to teach and engage effectively. Above all, I remained steadfast in demanding transparency from the administration and insisting on collaborative faculty governance. If reelected, I will ensure that your voice will to be heard in the Senate. I will seek your input, be available for counsel, and I will communicate the work of the Senate back to you so you feel well informed. I will vote to protect your rights and will work toward outcomes that support the university’s mission. That includes staying true to our highest value: fostering excellence in teaching and scholarship.

      After surviving all of the ups and downs at Sonoma State, this year can easily be characterized as the most challenging time we have ever had on campus. At such moments, we need to look to our colleagues who can offer their institutional memory. These insights can guide us toward a more humane future, especially when we, as a community, are devastated by the layoffs and closing of precious programs. All of us, as a family, are angry, saddened, and worried for the future. The recent budget cuts have done us in but (I argue) we are not out. Now, more than ever, it is essential that the Senate advocates to prioritize faculty and student needs. Only through steadfast dedication can we protect the quality of our academic programs. These goals are especially important as we are forced to navigate the effects of austerity. The Senate should be striving to maintain our university’s academic standards and reputation while committing to compassion. As your Senator representative, I will be dedicated to doing just that since, after all, teaching is a work of heart. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

    • jen johnson, English; self-nominated

      Dear colleagues, I am writing to nominate myself for a position on the Academic Senate at Sonoma State University. As a faculty member dedicated to shared governance and academic integrity, I am committed to ensuring that faculty voices are heard and that decisions impacting our university are made thoughtfully and equitably.

      I currently serve as an interim member of the Educational Policies Committee and chair the University Studies Curriculum Committee, where I engage directly with policies that shape curriculum, instruction, and student success. Additionally, as the Faculty Fellow for University Studies and Transition Programs, I work across disciplines to support first-year students and ensure that our academic programs align with institutional goals and student needs.

      At a time of massive change for our university, I will approach this role with fairness, diligence, and a firm commitment to faculty governance. I understand the weight of the work ahead and will actively contribute to the Senate’s efforts to navigate these challenges with integrity and transparency.

      Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be honored to serve in this capacity.

  • Academic Freedom Subcommittee (AFS) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Willie Gin, Political Science; self-nominated

  • Academic Planning, Assessment, and Resources Committee (APARC) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Emily Acosta Lewis, Communication Studies; self-nominated

      I am interested in running for the HSSA opening in APARC as I believe this is the most important standing committee at this particular moment at Sonoma State University. I bring  extensive experience in academic governance. I have served as Chair and Vice Chair of the Academic Senate, as well as Chair of APARC for two years, while also contributing to numerous Senate and campus committees. My knowledge on the Academic Affairs and Campus Budget has prepared me to navigate the complex budgetary challenges and governance processes that affect our academic programs. With specialized training from the CSU Middle Leadership Academy, the CSU Student Analytics Certificate program, and the Cornell University DEI Certificate, I am committed to fostering transparency, shared governance, and inclusive practices. I will work tirelessly to protect academic excellence, support our dedicated faculty, and ensure that the policies and processes voted on by our colleagues are upheld. I appreciate the opportunity to represent HSSA faculty on this committee.

    • Diana Grant, Criminology & Criminal Justice; self-nominated

      I have served on many committees during my 25 years at Sonoma State, including being a member of the University Program Review Subcommittee. APARC is the parent committee for UPRS, and in my work chairing UPRS and engaging with APARC, I have seen the value of APARC's work on planning, budget, and assessment issues since its inception. APARC's charge requires members of the committee to consider the requirements, opportunities, and constraints involved in academic budget planning, including the ethical as well as logistical decisions that are involved. Now, more than ever, we are facing unprecedented challenges to our academic integrity as a COPLAC university, and I believe that it is important to have experienced faculty on this key committee.

  • Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025)

    • Teresa Nguyen, Psychology; self-nominated

  • Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

  • Educational Policies Committee (EPC) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Emily Vieira Asencio, Criminology & Criminal Justice; self-nominated

      I have served on the Educational Policies Committee (EPC) for the past seven years, and have been the Chair of EPC for the last five years. During this time, I have worked hard to protect the integrity of faculty purview of our curriculum, and to uphold faculty governance policies and processes. With ongoing changes from administration and the CSU Board of Trustees, continuity on EPC is more important than ever before. My experience gives me the knowledge and perspective to advocate effectively for our faculty and students. I ask for your vote so I can continue this important work.

    • (Withdrawn) jen johnson, English; self-nominated

      Dear colleagues, As a faculty member dedicated to shared governance and academic integrity, I am running to represent HSSA on the Educational Policies Committee (EPC). Having served as an interim EPC member this semester, I have seen firsthand how HSSA has been impacted by the proposed program discontinuances. This reality has only strengthened my commitment to ensuring that faculty—not just administrative mandates—shape the academic policies that define our university.

      Coming from the former School of Arts & Humanities, I deeply understand the value of its departments and the disproportionate impact these proposed cuts have had on them. At the same time, I recognize that these challenges extend across our newly formed school, affecting faculty, students, and programs in different ways. I am committed to standing with all of HSSA—humanities, social sciences, and the arts—because our strength lies in collective advocacy. We must work together to defend our disciplines, push back against harmful top-down decisions, and ensure that faculty governance remains central in shaping our academic future.

      As chair of the University Studies Curriculum Committee, I have worked directly with curriculum development, academic policy, and student success initiatives. In addition, I have co-coordinated the academic component of Summer Bridge, working closely with faculty across disciplines—from our fabulous sociologists to our brilliant mathematicians—to support students in their transition to college. My time on EPC this semester has only reinforced just how vital faculty governance is—especially as it continues to be challenged and undermined. Now more than ever, we must stand firm and assert our role in shaping the future of our university. ,

      As we navigate these institutional challenges, EPC must remain a strong and unwavering advocate for faculty and students. I am committed to fair, transparent, and informed decision-making that upholds academic integrity and fosters a thriving learning environment.

      I would be honored to continue this work as a full EPC member, ensuring that HSSA faculty have a strong voice in the decisions that affect our future. Thank you for your consideration.

  • General Education Subcommittee (GE) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025)

  • General Education Subcommittee (GE) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Josh Glasgow, Philosophy; self-nominated

  • College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Elections Committee; 2yr Terms (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027) (2 Seats)

    • Gina Baleria, Communication Studies; self-nominated

  • College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) RTP Committee; 2yr Terms (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027) (3 Seats) *Full Professors preferred; No Lecturers or Assistant Professors 

    • Glenn Brassington, Psychology; self-nominated

    • Andy Collinsworth, Music; self-nominated

    • Emily Ray, Political Science; self-nominated

  • Overlay Subcommittee (OL) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

  • Structure & Functions (S&F) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Missy Garvin, Psychology; self-nominated

  • Student Affairs Committee (SAC) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025)

  • Student Affairs Committee (SAC) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

    • Talena Sanders, Communication Studies; self-nominated

      I am interested in serving on the Student Affairs Committee during these difficult times because I want to help in any way that I can to ensure our students' university experience does not further degrade due to these devastating cuts. I have previously served on the Basic Needs Initiative that helped establish programs like Lobo's Food Pantry and events to help students sign up for CalFresh to address food insecurity within our student community. It is difficult to learn if you are also navigating the anxieties of food or housing insecurity. I am interested in any opportunity to support our students' quality of life.

      I am also concerned about student recruitment and retention. The CSU priced in a 10 - 16% SSU student population loss over the next 2 years due to the cuts (per the data provided by Interim President Cutrer during the Press Democrat virtual town hall on 2/12). It is my belief we can't afford to lose even one student, so as part of shared governance I would like to push back against administrative actions that lead to such significant impacts to our student population. I want to be a part of understanding and strategizing how to better recruit and retain students in our campus community.

  • Scholarship Subcommittee - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Terms (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028) (2 Seats)

    • Matthew Clark, Geography, Environment, & Planning; self-nominated

    • Teresa Nguyen, Psychology; self-nominated 

  • University Program Review Subcommittee (UPRS) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025)

  • University Program Review Subcommittee (UPRS) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 1yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026)

    • Soo-Yeon Yoon, Sociology; self-nominated

  • University Program Review Subcommittee (UPRS) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Diana Grant, Criminology & Criminal Justice; self-nominated

  • University Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Subcommittee (URTP) - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts (HSSA) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Alexander Kahn, Music; self-nominated

 

College of Science, Technology, and Business Faculty Governance Representatives

  • Academic Senate - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Senator; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028) *If not filled, the size of the Academic Senate adjusts.

    • Krista Altaker, Nursing; self-nominated

      As Professor and Chair in Nursing, I have had the opportunity to navigate many of the systems on campus. I began my SSU career as a lecturer in 2011, moving to TT Faculty in 2016.  I have found multiple ways to engage with the campus community of faculty, students and staff. My master’s degree in Leadership, Management and Education gives me the foundational knowledge to engage in faculty governance at this university. I have a systems mindset and understand that we are all functioning within a set of structures and policies, and I have insights into how, where and when to engage opportunities to influence change. I have participated in policy development in healthcare organizations, taught leadership and policy classes, and have been in a leadership position within Nursing since 2017, first as program director, and now as chair.  I have served on the Senate Diversity Subcommittee for 7 years, including two terms as chair; the College (School) Professional Development Committee, Extended Education Curriculum Committee, and various other committees on campus, including working with CTET for numerous faculty workshops.  I believe I am well situated to represent my colleagues in the College of Science, Technology and Business; understanding areas where we have unique perspectives and needs, and also ways that our needs and processes are aligned across the College and University.  I feel I have a balanced viewpoint and am capable of hearing multiple perspectives in a situation, and also am willing to speak out to clarify or express different viewpoints respectfully. 

      Thank you for considering this offering to serve our campus and colleagues in this way.

  • Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 1.5yr Term (Spring 2025 - Spring 2026)

    • James Nwaizugbu, Nursing; self-nominated

      I am an Assistant Professor at the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. I am excited to announce that I am seeking your support to become a member of the Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS). With my experience teaching both hybrid and face-to-face courses, I bring a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the evolving needs in educational technology and classroom environments. I am passionate about enhancing the learning experience for both students and faculty, and I believe my background equips me well to contribute effectively to the work of ATISS.

      Your vote would mean a great deal to me, and I am committed to advocating for improvements that will benefit our academic community. Thank you for considering my candidacy!

  • College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Elections Committee; 2.5yr Term (Spring 2025 - Spring 2027)

    • Nadiya Parekh, Business; self-nominated

      I am a tenure-track faculty who joined SSU in Fall 2019 as Assistant Professor of Management/Social Entrepreneurship, School of Business. Over the years what I really enjoyed while working at SSU is the opportunities that I have had in participating in the shared governance forums where matters that concern my area of work/interest are discussed. As much as I see these are engaging forums, I understand that to make it most inclusive having everyone’s voice captured on such matters is important. Serving on the STB elections committee is thus of interest to me as the committee actively facilitates this democratic engagement through a voting process that do not exclude any voice on the matter. I would like to take part in enabling this inclusive process and use my training in creating Qualtrics surveys and analyzing data to make this process transparent, while maintaining privacy of participants.

      I express my interest to be considered for this service position as I personally and professionally resonate with SSU’s efforts to promote inclusive and democratic governance practices. I am confident that I can value add and contribute to the committee.

  • College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Elections Committee; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

  • Educational Policies Committee (EPC) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025)

  • Educational Policies Committee (EPC) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

  • Educational Policies Committee (EPC) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

  • General Education Subcommittee (GE) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

    • Martha Shott, Mathematics & Statistics; self-nominated

      I am earnestly asking for your consideration as the college rep for the GE Subcommittee. The committee description says that reading ahead and being detail-oriented are a must; I have met these criteria a majority of the time in my prior assignments, and will strive to meet or exceed past performance if elected to this seat. I look forward to ensuring that SSU maintains an excellent GE program, one that leverages the deep expertise we have across campus as well as the variety of ways in which GE outcomes can be supported by various disciplines.

  • Overlay Subcommittee (OL) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 2yr Term(Fall 2025 - Spring 2026)

  • Scholarship Subcommittee - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 3yr Terms (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028) (2 Seats)

    • Jerry Morris, Mathematics and Statistics; self-nominated

      For the past several years, it has been my honor to serve on the scholarship committee, and I would welcome the opportunity to continue this work. We continue to work toward standards of assessment that ensure that scholarship awards are given in a way that is consistent with our values as an institution. While we have already made significant progress toward making the scholarship process more equitable, there are challenging and important discussions still to come. We need to continue to improve our process by identifying instances of reader bias and inequitable measures of student merit, and to continue to address these issues even as our university faces many other challenges. It is truly rewarding to be a part of a committee with such a strong commitment to develop an evaluation process that reflects the values and vision of SSU, and if elected, I look forward to continuing this work.

    • Lisa Patrick Bentley, Biology; self-nominated

      I am excited for the opportunity to extend my years of service on this committee.

    • Jinglin Jiang, Business Administration; self-nominated

      I am pleased to self-nominate for the Scholarship subcommittee. Having previously served on my school-level scholarship committee (formerly SBE), I have experience in reviewing applications and making fair, inclusive award decisions. I am eager to bring this expertise to the university-wide scholarship process, where I can help refine our policies and strengthen our commitment to student success. Thank you for your consideration.

  • Senate Diversity Subcommittee (SDS) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Kaija Freborg, Nursing; self-nominated

      I am an associate professor of Nursing. I’m writing to express my interest in representing the College of Science, Technology, and Business on the Senate Diversity Subcommittee. I am currently serving SDS in a 1-year proxy position and would like to continue my contributions to ongoing projects. I have strongly committed to racial and social equity in healthcare throughout my career, which is demonstrated in my teaching, leadership, and scholarship. After obtaining my graduate degrees in transcultural nursing leadership, I developed and taught classes examining how the politics of healthcare can lead to structural health inequities. As the Secretary of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, I’ve had opportunity to collaborate with other nurse leaders to plan Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programming for nurse educators. Additionally, as the Chair of the School of Nursing’s Antiracism, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee I’ve had the privilege to lead our team in piloting an Antiracism and Equity Curricular Audit in our post-licensure nursing program. Finally, my research includes performance improvement projects like evaluating the efficacy of an equity-minded nurse curriculum, designed and implemented in the pre-licensure nursing program, as well as researching the realities for nursing students registered with disability services. I would love an opportunity to contribute my knowledge, skills, and experience to the University. Thank you for considering me for this Senate Diversity Subcommittee seat.

  • University Program Review Subcommittee (UPRS) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2027)

    • Suzanne Rivoire, Computer Science; self-nominated

      I have been a Computer Science faculty member at SSU since 2008 and worked on the most recent program review for our B.S. in Computer Science degree. This semester, I am completing a three-year term on the University RTP Subcommittee and a one-year term as Vice Chair of the Academic Senate. These roles in particular have given me an appreciation for the hard work our faculty do across the University and the importance of faculty governance in lifting up our faculty and programs, celebrating their successes, and advocating for them in times of need. UPRS is a critical part of that process, and I would be honored to be a part of it.

  • University Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Subcommittee (URTP) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 1 semester Term (Spring 2025)

  • University Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Subcommittee (URTP) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 2yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2026)

  • University Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion Subcommittee (URTP) - College of Science, Technology, and Business (STB) Member; 3yr Term (Fall 2025 - Spring 2028)

    • Bulent Sokmen, Kinesiology; self-nominated

      I am seeking election to serve on the University Reappointment, Tenure, and Promotion (URPT) Committee, representing the College of Science, Technology, and Business (SSB). With eight years of experience on the RTP Committee, I am deeply committed to fostering student success and promoting an inclusive learning environment while contributing to scholarly advancements. I look forward to continuing my service in support of the university’s mission and academic excellence.