Jessica Evans

Jessica Evans

The candidate was presented with the following questions. The responses are printed as received and have not been edited by Staff Congress.

1. What do you perceive as the responsibilities of the Staff Regent?
The Staff Regent has a duty to represent all members of the Staff on the MSU Board of Regents. The Staff Regent serves as a full voting member of the Board and is responsible for advocating the interests and concerns of Staff. The Staff Regent also has responsibility to ensure success of the university, with ultimately responsibility for the governance of the university, including compliance and adoption of policy, financial oversight, as well as appointment and evaluation of the university President. I have been involved in university governance since 2013 and have a deep interest in policy and strategic planning. I believe in the value of data-informed decision making, a strength I would bring to the Board if elected to serve as Staff Regent.

2. Do you understand the governance of the Board of Regents and how you would serve in that capacity? Explain.
Governance of the university includes various aspects, such as setting tuition; policy decisions; short term and long term planning; approving academic programs and organizational changes; and approving the budget. I understand the significance of university governance and the importance of the overall financial stability of the university. I also understand and believe in the importance of shared governance. If elected Staff Regent, I aim to promote open communication with Staff and the larger university community. I want to make certain that the people most impacted by university policies and decisions are adequately represented.

3. Serving as Staff Regent requires time commitments during the normal work hours (8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.), nights and weekends. Are you aware of the time commitment involved, and will you be able to devote this time and still perform your regular work duties?
Yes

4. Describe the most important work or University service experiences which will assist you in being an effective Staff Regent.
I have served as a member of the Staff Congress since 2013, most recently as Vice President. Staff are vital to Murray State and their input on critical decisions impacting the university should be heard. In addition to my university work, I previously served as the Chair of the Board for the Western KY American Red Cross, where I was awarded the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Amnesty International, USA; one of the largest non-partisan human rights organizations. I currently chair the Staff Survey Committee, which is responsible for reviewing the annual Staff Perspective Survey administered by the Staff Congress and Staff Regent. One of my goals, if elected Regent, is to clearly present the survey findings to the administration and Board of Regents to further promote and protect the interests of MSU staff members.

5. Have you served in campus governance before and if so, how long and in what capacity? (example Staff Congress, Faculty/Staff Insurance and Benefits Committee, etc.)
I have served on the University-wide Insurance and Benefits Committee since 2013. During my service, I have advocated for policy changes such as extension of bereavement benefits, reinstatement of tuition waivers, and flexible work arrangements, often serving as chair of these committees. I served on the President’s Commission on Student Retention from 2012-2017. Additionally, I was a member of the Budget Planning Review Committee (2013) and currently a member of the University Budget Committee.

6. If elected the 2021-24 regent, what will be your top goals to benefit MSU staff?
I would like to continue to serve as an advocate for staff at MSU while working to improve communication. The governance process has been mystifying for many, and if elected, I aim to provide clarity and transparency in university decision making. Collaboration with the Faculty Regent is also important as faculty and staff often have overlapping policy concerns. I would strongly advocate that annual cost of living adjustments are included in the MSU operating budget. I would also aim to work closely with the Student Regent to foster relationships with with student governance and ensure student success. I look forward for the opportunity to work more closely with the administration, faculty, students, and staff toward continued growth of Murray State if elected as Staff Regent. Thank you.