All-Faculty and At-large Faculty Governance Interest Statements

• Academic Senate - At-large Senator; 3yr Term

  • Anastasia Tosouni, Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies - I will keep this statement short and to the point: I have been a faculty member in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies department since 2016 and this is the first time I am seeking to serve on the Academic Senate. I am interested in the role of Senator At-Large because I value shared governance, academic freedom, and faculty rights, and I can ensure that these values will be reflected in what i say and what I do as a Senate member.

• ATISS - Member - At-large; 3yr Term

  • Mark Gondree, Computer Science - I am excited to express my interest in the Faculty Representative position on the Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS). As an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and currently serving as the department chair, I see the pivotal role that technology and well-designed instructional spaces play in enhancing the educational experience. Having been a part of the AI Faculty Learning Community through CTET in Spring 2024, I am deeply committed to advancing the integration of technology in ways that prioritize accessibility, security / privacy, and equity. My experience has shown me how thoughtfully implemented technology can transform learning environments, and I am eager to should some of the work in front of ATISS this year. I believe that my background in computer science, coupled with my dedication to making technology enhance our students' experiences, makes me a strong candidate for this position. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the development and management of academic technologies and instructional spaces that foster an inclusive and effective learning environment. Thank you for considering me. I look forward to the possibility of working collaboratively to enhance our university’s instructional spaces and technological resources.

• Campus Planning and University Space Advisory Committee (CPUSAC) - Faculty Representative; 3yr Term (To be appointed by Structure & Functions from Interest Statements Received)

  • Young Min Chun, Kinesiology - I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Faculty Representative position on the Campus Planning and University Space Advisory Committee (CPUSAC). As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Sonoma State University, I am eager to contribute my expertise and collaborate on the development and implementation of processes for managing campus space and facility use. While my academic focus lies within the Department of Kinesiology, I am aware of the broader challenges associated with limited space and facilities on our campus. Having witnessed firsthand the constraints of our department building, one of the oldest on campus, and its limited classrooms and research labs, I am motivated to actively participate in shaping the future of our university's physical environment. I am particularly drawn to this opportunity because it allows me to bridge the gap between my department and the broader university community. In addition, the Committee Charge, which emphasizes the creation of a desirable and inspirational atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff, aligns with my commitment to fostering an optimal learning environment. Despite the indirect relation of this position to my major, I believe that my unique perspective on enhancing campus spaces makes me a valuable candidate for CPUSAC. Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the Campus Planning and University Space Advisory Committee and collaborating with colleagues to enhance our university's physical facilities.

• Dispute Resolution Board (DRB) - Member - At-large; 1yr Term

  • Anastasia Tosouni, Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies - I am looking forward to serving on the DRB, as both my prior experience as well as my academic training in restorative responses make me a good candidate for this position.

  • Marissa Mnich, Geology - I am very interested in serving as an at-large representative on the Dispute Resolution Board. I am beginning my fifth year as an Assistant Professor in the Geology department and am very interested in the grant process and procedures. If elected, I look forward to working on cases using restorative practices to ensure cases are handled in a fair, logical manner. Such cases are the backbone of upholding the academic integrity and I am eager for the opportunity to be involved.

  • Orlando Carreon, Educational Leadership and Special Education - Nominated by Lisel Murdock-Perriera - I am an assistant professor of Educational Leadership at the College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies. I am applying to serve on the Dispute Resolution Board (DRB), where my values and training in restorative practices can be of service. I believe that our educational institutions should be more than sites of learning; they should also serve as sites of wellness where students can grow and blossom after experiencing them. I will approach my tenure on the DRB by working collectively to adjudicate appeals and grievances fairly while keeping an eye on humanizing our processes for current and future students. I am confident that my 20 years of experience as an educator--former Necomer Middle School teacher, University Instructor, DEI consultant, including my scholarship on the Effective Teaching of Latine students--will bring a strong sense of advocacy, equity, and compassion for the diverse experiences of our Sonoma State Students.

• Overlay - Member - At-large; 3yr Term

  • Janet Hess, Hutchins - I would be honored to serve on the Overlay Subcommittee. My many years of interdisciplinary work--teaching over twenty years in Hutchins, with a background in U.S. History (B.A.), African and African American art (Ph.D.) and a law degree focused on international and poverty law, as well as my interest in Native American Studies, provides me with deep familiarity of academic areas covered by the SSU graduation requirements, for which OL evaluates course proposals. I am a dedicated teacher of writing, and integrate both U.S. history and legal jurisprudence into much of my coursework. My interest in Native American Studies led me to teach classes in land management and food sovereignty, providing me with rich knowledge of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). My travels in Africa and research and grant work on art and architecture in Ghana, Tanzania, and South Africa also familiarize me with the importance of global studies. In addition, I have taught first and second year students primarily in my years at SSU, and have served on the UNIV subcommittee, while also co-directing a grant intended to instill in much of the first year more literature on Latinx and Native Americans. For all of these reasons, I appreciate your consideration. Thank you for the privilege!

• SAC - Member - At-large (Fall 2024 Semester Sabbatical Replacement)

  • Anastasia Tosouni, Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies - I am always interested in collaborating with others to meet students' needs on campus.

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

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

• Academic Senate - Senator - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies; 2yr Term for Stagger 

• Academic Senate - Senator - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies; 3yr Term 

• APARC - Member - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies; 3yr Term

• FSAC - Member - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies; Spring 2025 Semester Replacement

• Scholarship - Member - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies; 3yr Term

  • Cecile Bhang, Counseling - Having served on the Scholarship Subcommittee for the past two years, I have successfully completed my responsibilities and thoroughly enjoyed being part of this vital work. My experience, both on this committee and as a clinical and research expert working with marginalized students in mental health, has deepened my commitment to equity and inclusion. As a woman of color, an immigrant, and a first-generation student in higher education in the U.S., I bring a unique and expanded perspective to the table. These experiences enable me to critically assess and advocate for scholarship distribution, standards, and procedures that are truly equitable and inclusive. I am eager to continue contributing to this important work, ensuring that our scholarship policies reflect the diverse challenges and strengths of all our students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. I am well-prepared to review and score the 80-100 student essay responses, and I look forward to helping create a more inclusive environment.

• UPRS - Member - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies; 3yr Term

• URTP - Member - College of Education, Counseling, and Ethnic Studies; 3yr Term

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

• ATISS - Member - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; 3yr Term

• EPC - Member - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; Spring 2025 Semester Replacement

  • Jennifer Johnson, English - I am excited to see that there is an opening on EPC, even if just for Spring 2025. In working in public education for over two decades, I have developed curriculum for most grade levels and have also been involved in crafting educational policies. Since I started working in the CSUs in 2016, I have consistently served on curriculum committees, and currently serve as the chair of the CC in English and University Studies, during which time I have been getting more familiar with the work of EPC and would value the opportunity to be more involved.

• GE - Member - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; 4yr Term

  • Jennifer Johnson, English - I am honored to submit my self-nomination for the General Education subcommittee. I am an associate professor of English/English Education, the Faculty Fellow for University Studies, and have served as an academic advisor for eight years. As an educator deeply committed to fostering student success, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to support the ongoing efforts of the General Education subcommittee, especially in light of the significant changes to the GE framework across the CSU system. With the implementation of the new Unified General Education Pathway and the introduction of the Cal-GETC curriculum in 2025, I recognize how the role of this committee will be pivotal in shaping how our university adapts to these new standards. These changes, designed to create a more equitable and streamlined experience for students—whether they are first-time, first-year enrollees or transfer students—are critical to ensuring that our GE requirements align with the evolving academic landscape. Throughout my career, I have consistently engaged in curricular development that prioritizes inclusivity, clarity, and accessibility. I am eager to work collaboratively with departments across the university to develop and review GE courses that reflect the values embedded in the GE guidelines, such as equity, interdisciplinary learning, and the reduction of barriers to student progression. As we navigate these changes, I am committed to contributing to the thoughtful evaluation of proposals, ensuring that our GE courses align with the new framework, meet academic standards, and foster the intellectual and personal growth of our diverse student body. I am excited by the prospect of supporting my colleagues through this transition and contributing to the development of a forward-thinking GE curriculum that prepares our students for success in an increasingly interconnected world. Thank you for your consideration.

• Scholarship - Member - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; 3yr Term (2 Seats)

  • Anastasia Tosouni, Criminology & Criminal Justice Studies - I am looking forward to reading and grading student essays!

  • James Mestaz, History - As a former student who relied on scholarships to get through college, I am aware of the need for such funding. I have also served on scholarship committees at previous institutions where I taught before coming to SSU, such as at Harvard. I have been successful in helping many SSU students receive both internal and external funding. Serving on this committee would be an honor, as we help brilliant students follow their dreams.

• UPRS - Member - College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts; 2yr Term for Stagger

College of Science, Technology, and Business Faculty Governance Representatives

• Academic Senate - Senator - College of Science, Technology, and Business; 2yr Term for Stagger 

  • Richard Whitkus, Biology - In my career at SSU, I have served in multiple leadership positions in department, school, and faculty governance; therefore, I have a broad and deep perspective of the roles and responsibilities of faculty, staff and administrators. This background lends me a strong and informed voice that I can raise for our new college. I strive to be objective and sympathetic to the diversity of views and needs of our faculty and am comfortable in bringing our input to the administration so that equitable solutions can be found. I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve as the STB representative to the Academic Senate.

• ATISS - Member - College of Science, Technology, and Business; Fall 2024 Semester Replacement

  • Janejira Sutanonpaiboon, Business Administration - I am interested in serving on the Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee (ATISS) because of my long-standing commitment to integrating educational technologies into the learning environment. Since Summer 2018, I have actively collaborated with the Center for Teaching and Educational Technology (CTET) in developing online and hybrid courses using platforms such as Moodle and Canvas. My participation in various CTET workshops, including the Online and Blended Teaching Excellent Program (OBTEP) in Fall 2019, the Online Institution Fundamental (Level 2) in Summer 2021, and the AI Faculty Learning Community in Spring 2025, has deepened my understanding and enthusiasm for the evolving role of technology in education. Serving as a proxy on the ATISS subcommittee in Fall 2024 will allow me to further explore and contribute to the advancement of instructional technologies within Sonoma State University.

  • Adele Santana, Business - I would be honored to serve as the representative for the College of Science, Technology, and Business on the Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee this year, as ATISS is developing a holistic strategic plan for online education at Sonoma State, evaluating policies on AI to make a recommendation on whether/not SSU should establish a policy on AI for teaching and learning, and piloting streaming media services for teaching and learning. I have an personal interest in instructional technology and have worked closely with the CTET team developing my own online and hybrid courses in the last many years. I would like to support the changing processes undertaken by ATISS in the present moment.

  • Kaija Freborg, Nursing - I am an associate professor of the Nursing Department and would be honored to serve on the Academic Technology and Instructional Spaces Subcommittee. With 12 years of university teaching experience, I am attuned to the technology needs on campus and am eager to share my ideas and energy in this committee. I have much interest in developing a holistic plan for online education at Sonoma State in collaboration with committee members. My pragmatic approach in using technology that enhances pedagogy rather than acts as a barrier (despite all the fun new bells and whistles), I believe speaks to students and faculty. Thank you for your consideration.

• College of STB Elections Committee; 3yr Term

• EPC - Member - College of Science, Technology, and Business; 3yr Term

• EPC - Member - College of Science, Technology, and Business; Spring 2025 Semester Replacement

• Overlay - Member - College of Science, technology, and Business; 2yr Term