USC Election 2025
The nominees are listed below. Click here to vote.
We value your participation! All staff are encouraged to vote – the USC is your voice and advocate at Mary Washington.
- USC A/P Faculty Category
- University Budget Advisory Committee
- USC – CLASSIFIED Category (all positions filled)
- James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Council
USC A/P Faculty Category
There is one position open.
Sarah Appleby
University Archivist, Simpson Library
What issues, challenges, and opportunities should the USC prioritize in 2025-2026?
Compensation, staff retention, increased collaboration and support opportunities with students and faculty and across departments
Why do you want to serve on the USC?
It’s been an absolute pleasure to serve on USC these past few years and to hear the insightful perspectives from representatives across campus. We have challenges and frustrations as staff members without question, but we also have a community in USC that listens and acts to the best of our ability. I want to continue to be a part of that community, to listen to my colleagues, to learn what matters most, and to contribute in whatever way I can toward making UMW the place where our labor and voices are valued.
Mary Becelia
Assistant Director of Career Education, Center for Career and Professional Development
What issues, challenges, and opportunities should the USC prioritize in 2025-2026?
I think 2025-26 is going to be a pivotal year for education, and possibly even more unusual than the Covid era. With the rapid changes coming out of the current administration, the USC will need to be ready to ‘expect the unexpected’ and to pivot to face issues, challenges & opportunities that I don’t think any of us can even articulate at this moment. I feel that we will need to work together, overcoming possible differences while we do so, in order to effectively manage what the next few years holds for Virginia, higher education, and UMW.
Why do you want to serve on the USC?
While I have not been able to attend any USC meetings recently, I always felt that the group accomplished a lot in each meeting I did attend. I heard good things about the Council from others I know who serve(d) on it. Having worked many years both in wage roles and AP roles, I think I have an expansive perspective to offer, and an understanding of some of the challenges that each of these two groups faces. In addition, I would like to be a part of a group that draws from so many different areas of UMW to effect positive outcomes for the wage/classified and AP communities.
University Budget Advisory Committee
There is one opening for a one-year term.
Doug Noble
Executive Director of Dodd Auditorium, Dodd Auditorium University Events and Conferencing
Why would you like to serve on the UBAC?
I would like to serve so I can advocate for areas that often are overlooked for budgetary needs.
Melva Kishpaugh
Director of Procurement Services, Procurement Services
Why would you like to serve on the UBAC?
There are two main reasons for my belief that I could serve in a valuable role on UBAC. One is that my procurement knowledge and experience could potentially help to expedite the review process for departments’ budget requests. If I am involved in a project early in the process, I may be able to assist with fleshing out required elements of the request, such as a procurement path. Two, is that I could share my knowledge and potentially educate other community members in order that they may be more successful with future budget requests (i.e., what elements should be included in their requests).
Melissa Clark
Accounts Receivable Assistant Manager, Student Accounts
Why would you like to serve on the UBAC?
I would like to learn more about the UMW budgetary process, while at the same time, assist in an advisory capacity along with the other committee members to shape the future of the University.
Angie Lynch
Associate Registrar for Academic Scheduling and Registration, Registrar/Provost
Why would you like to serve on the UBAC?
I think working on a committee would allow for the growth of knowledge regarding the budget process. By learning from other colleagues and hearing different viewpoints it may help to expand the knowledge regarding the budget process and how it affects staff.
USC – CLASSIFIED Category
The candidates below are filling six vacant positions. Since there are no additional candidates for the vacant positions, no voting is required.
Melinda Albrycht
Assistant Director of Accounting, Accounting – Finance Department
What issues, challenges, and opportunities should the USC prioritize in 2025-2026?
We should continue the push to make sure that staff members are treated equally with faculty members.
Why do you want to serve on the USC?
I would like to serve in the USC to make sure that all employees regardless if they are staff or wage are treated with respect and considered when any future decisions are made for our Institution. So often Staff and Wage employees are not considered when changes are implemented around campus. I would like to continue this fight for the importance of all employees to be recognized.
Maie Makin
Eagle One Card and Parking Services Manager, Eagle One and Parking Services
What issues, challenges, and opportunities should the USC prioritize in 2025-2026?
I am excited to have the chance to serve and to learn what challenges and opportunities other Staff members are perceiving. Departments and Offices have varied experiences, and I look forward to working with and supporting others to help make an impact.
Why do you want to serve on the USC?
I would be honored to have the opportunity to represent University Staff as a member of the USC. Teamwork and communication are mission critical and help everyone support UMW’s organizational vision. This appointment would allow me to further contribute to that vision and support our community through representation and actions. I believe that even small communications and actions can have great impact and would use a position with the USC to promote those interactions and support UMW community members. I would be excited to have the opportunity to learn more about other departments to help promote collaboration and serve our community goals and values.
Stephanie Turcios
Financial Aid Representative, Financial Aid
What issues, challenges, and opportunities should the USC prioritize in 2025-2026?
– Remaining competitive with other universities/colleges.
– More employee recognition programs
Why do you want to serve on the USC?
I have served a partial term on USC and have found different perspective from different employees valuable. I want to remain part of the conversation and be a bridge for my fellow co-workers on their issues and successes to the university.
Kimberly McManus-Carini
Accounts Receivable Manager and Bursar, Student Accounts
What issues, challenges, and opportunities should the USC prioritize in 2025-2026?
Salaries/wages that support the cost of living.
Establish Bereavement Leave/Compassionate Leave so employees can take, following the death of a family member, allowing them to grieve and make arrangements.
Strike a balance between work/life balance.
Boost employee morale.
Create professional development opportunities for staff.
Continue to promote honest and open communication between the administration and staff.
Promote staff interests by encouraging actions that address the current and future needs of the entire UWM community.
Why do you want to serve on the USC?
It has been with great pleasure to serve on the University Staff Council for the past three years. I serve on the Staff Council because I strongly believe in the mission of the University of Mary Washington and know that staff play a major part in fulfilling this mission. Staff Council provides a forum for staff to voice concerns, make recommendations and propose new ideas. I got involved in the Staff Council to ensure the UMW staff voice is heard and maximized in decisions that affect the staff. The USC is a great conduit to serve as a positive influence on so many levels of campus. I have met and worked with a lot of staff and being able to bring their thoughts, ideas and issues to the table is very important work for me. When people feel heard and their ideas are implemented, they tend to like where they work. I want that for the staff here at UMW. I want to continue to work to increase a sense of pride in who staff are, what staff do and the important role staff play in the success of UMW. As a staff member, I wish to continue participating in the campus community by serving on the council and volunteering my time. I believe in the purpose of the council in its vision to promote, sponsor, and serve the staff members on campus. I think staff council provides a vital service and resource to the staff members on and off campus. The activity and presence of Staff Council provides our staff members with the reassurance that we are “in this together” and support is readily available. I wish to continue being part of this great team that advocates for UMW staff campus-wide.
Maureen Aylward
Associate Director Advancement Services, Advancement
What issues, challenges, and opportunities should the USC prioritize in 2025-2026
Continuing to connect members of the UMW community through participation on committees, discussions, and campus life.
Exploring ways to increase and improve work-life balance for UMW’s hard-working staff, particularly in light of reductions in staffing which too often leads to adding additional responsibilities to remaining staff.
Increasing professional development opportunities and supervisor training.
Why do you want to serve on the USC?
Serving on the USC has given me an opportunity to connect with people across campuses and broadened my understanding of all that is necessary to create the Mary Washington experience for our students.
I appreciate the opportunity to hear about different issues and challenges facing the University and be able to contribute to finding answers. UMW is a special place and I am excited to contribute to our vibrant, diverse, evolving community.
Melissa Clark
Accounts Receivable Assistant Manager, Student Accounts
James Farmer Multicultural Center Advisory Council
There is one opening for a one-year term.
Lindsey Crawford
Public Programs Coordinator, James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
Why would you like to serve on the JFMCAC?
I’ve had the privilege of working closely with JFMCAC for several years, building a strong and meaningful relationship. This foundation has given me valuable insight and a unique perspective that I believe would contribute to my role on this committee. I am eager to support JFMCAC’s continued growth and success while helping to further the incredible work they are already doing. I look forward to nurturing and expanding this productive collaboration moving forward.
Stephanie Turcios
Financial Aid Representative, Financial Aid
Why would you like to serve on the JFMCAC?
If I am to be elected to represent UMW Staff, I will make an effort to bridge communication between staff and JFMCAC. We have a diverse campus and staff are a part of that population. We have a seat at the table and I would be honored to represent UMW staff to further coordinate with JFMC, students, and faculty.