2025 Elections

Pocatello Campus

I run the Craft Shop and am a classified employee.

My title is Craft Shop Assistant Manager.

I have worked for ISU for over 10 years and have been in my current position since 2021. I want to be part of the staff council to help all of ISU’s departments improve and grow. We need to be a positive part of the student’s lives, and we can do that knowing that we work for a university that cares for its employees. I strongly believe in equality in our work environments. I work hard to ensure that my

little corner of the Pond Student Union Building is inviting to everyone. I would love to see all of the corners of ISU do the same.  I can contribute to addressing challenges and promoting positive change within our organization.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be an advocate for you.

Pocatello Campus

I serve as the Administrative Assistant for the School of Nursing within the College of Health at ISU, and I have had the privilege of being part of Idaho State University for nearly three years. During this time, I have enjoyed witnessing its growth and development. In addition, I am currently serving in the United States Air Force National Reserves.

My interest in joining the Staff Council stems from a desire to contribute to the University's continued progress and to advocate for  staff. I am passionate about supporting others and fostering both their professional and personal growth. It would be an honor and a privilege to serve my colleagues and assist in their development.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Pocatello Campus

I currently work in the Office of the Registrar as the Military Tuition Assistance Coordinator and previously worked at Public Safety as a Dispatcher. I have multiple degrees from ISU in Psychology, Sociology, IT, and English. I have seen many sides of ISU, ranging from the administrative duties of maintaining smooth and efficient campus operations to the educational breadth of knowledge, compassion, and encouragement in the ISU colleges and departments for students.

In my time on ISU's campus as both a student and a contracted employee, I have seen the importance of community and the sense of belonging that ISU employees work hard to foster. In my time as a staff member, I have constantly been reminded that I am a valued member of the Bengal family and that my hard work and talent are an asset to ISU. I have never felt more appreciated in a workplace than in my time at ISU. I hope to be reelected to the Staff Council to continue to offer my unique experiences and/or perspectives regarding matters on campus. Matters that concern students, staff, faculty, education, and/or campus resources are all something I would like to assist in supporting from the front lines on the Staff Council.

Pocatello Campus

StrengthsFinder: Positivity, Developer, Includer, Adaptability and Consistency

Currently, I work at the reception desk in the ICCU Bengal Alumni Center and will be the first face you see when you walk into the center.

I originally applied to ISU for the opportunity to finish my degree at the reduced rate, but after graduating with my Political Science degree in 2019, I found that I love the campus community, and I have been with the University for almost 10 years. 7 years working in the Engineering Office and the last 2 years with the Alumni Association. I’ve always wanted to work with Staff Council, and now the time is finally right for me! I am happy to serve in any position needed.

Pocatello Campus

Greetings! I am Lorie Kalivas, Stockroom Manager for the Chemistry Department, a classified staff member, and I am running for Staff Council. My position in Chemistry during the past 13 years allowed me to meet dozens of our campus’ talented facilities members, invaluable administrative assistants, purchasing personnel, student support personnel, custodial, EHSS, and grounds staff who keep our buildings and programs running smoothly. While interacting with these colleagues, I’ve heard wishes and desires that made me ponder possible ways to help with issues like:

• Disconnection and Isolation from other units or individuals who have the same job classification, specifically our AA 1s.
• Communication breakdowns with custodial units (they work different hours than the rest of us)
• Work/Life Balance difficulties
• Desire for more sustainability actions

Staff council seems an appropriate way for me to bring my desire to help, my skills at problem solving, and my energy to a level beyond our Chemistry Department. My Clifton Strengths in top 5 order are: Activator, Empathy, Input, Relator, Responsibility.

I’d appreciate your vote and the opportunity to work for you as a staff council member.

Pocatello Campus

Hello, everyone! My name is Mandy Myers, and I work as an Office Services Supervisor in the Facilities Department. I truly enjoy my role and being part of such a great team!

I am eager to join the Staff Council because I want to contribute my time and support to making beneficial changes for our ISU staff. This is a pivotal time for our voices to be heard, especially with potential shifts in government policies that could affect our university. I would like to assist the council navigate these and other changes to help ensure that ISU remains a positive and supportive place for all staff. I strongly believe in inclusivity, equality, and acceptance!

Serving on the Staff Council would also allow me to further develop my leadership abilities, which I can use to better serve both my department and the wider ISU community. Thank you for considering my candidacy. Go Bengals!

Pocatello Campus

I work in the facilities services department as the Administrative Assistant to Maintenance and Operations. You will not find a better team on campus, full of people who are dedicated to the success of our students and ISU as an institution. I'm lucky to support such a caring, kind, and enthusiastic team. The camradery displayed is touching, they make working for ISU an absolute delight and have gotten me excited about the possibility of joining staff council.

Having worked at ISU and been a student I am lucky to have a deep insight into the functions of the university and how it affects all of us on campus. Staff council is an invaluable resource to help foster the welfare of staff members and push forward initiatives that are important to our community. I'd like to think we all want to better our workplace and a part of that is being of service to our fellow staff members. I have experience leading volunteer groups, coordinating events, and instituting new programs, these skills would translate well into staff council and committee groups. We all have the power to work collectively and make ISU reflect our ideal workplace.

Pocatello Campus

I have been at ISU for almost 7 years now in The Office of the Registrar. In my time here, I have had the opportunity to observe the many different types of people including those working in the background (such as myself), and those who are more in the forefront. This has helped me to be able to empathize with others and assist in creating solutions that can be beneficial to the many different voices that make up our campus. Some of my Clifton strengths are Individualization and Developer. With these traits comes my abilities to notice and appreciate the unique characteristics of each person, to recognize their individual needs, and to identify how to best help to cultivate their potential.

As a mother of 2, and an active member of the community, I represent a large portion of our campus. With my many different interests, and my warm and engaging personality, I know just how to motivate and inspire others.

I love ISU, and I would love an opportunity to serve our community and spread the welcoming energy that I have so generously received in my years here. Thank you for your consideration!

Pocatello Campus

I have worked at ISU since 2018. I worked in TRIO as an Administrative Assistant for almost 6 years, and then moved to HR in March 2024. I love working on campus and participating in all the events that take place. I want to join Staff Council to be able to assist with event planning, serve on committees, and share what I think could be helpful for campus staff development. I offer a valuable perspective since I have worked in various roles around campus and would appreciate being considered!

Pocatello Campus

Robin Nelson has worked at ISU for over 10 years. She is the Office Services Supervisor for the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), previously the Counseling and Testing Center. Robin is a great support to her coworkers and the campus community. She likes to be involved and help make ISU and the community a better place. Robin is an ISU supporter in every sense of the word and often volunteers to help the campus. She enjoys volunteering at Commencement and Track and Field events.

In addition to her extensive work at ISU, Robin volunteers with several notable organizations in the community. Robin is very involved in the United Way and helps to organize the United Way campaign on the ISU campus. Robin is also involved with Portneuf Valley Partners and enjoys being involved in the important mission of creating growth, opportunity, and beauty in our area. Robin looks forward to working on Staff Council to also create growth, opportunity, and beauty on our campus. 

Pocatello Campus

I am passionate about joining the Staff Council to actively contribute to improving the work environment and fostering stronger connections within the University. I am very passionate about process improvement. By putting myself out there to network, I aim to build relationships that can help create more effective professional development opportunities for staff.

Being voted in by my colleagues in the college reflects their trust in my ability to represent their needs. I am committed to giving a voice to staff members, ensuring their concerns and ideas are heard. Ultimately, I want to bring greater awareness to the importance of the University's Staff Council and its role in shaping a supportive and thriving workplace for everyone.

Pocatello Campus

Hello, everyone. My name is Toni O'Brien. I've been an employee at ISU for 2 1/2 years. I work in Finance as a Senior Financial Tech. I love my job and the team I work with. I am running for the staff council to support this great university and the people who work here. I appreciate the opportunity to learn and expand my knowledge about ISU.

I try to be involved in many of the activities in our department, and I think this experience will be an asset for the staff council.

Pocatello Campus

Dear colleagues, I am seeking your consideration for a Classified Representative position on Staff Council. I have demonstrated a consistent commitment to ISU since 2015, currently serving as an Administrative Assistant I in the College of Education for the Organizational Learning & Performance department and the School Psychology & Educational Leadership department. My previous Staff Council experience from 2017-2020 and 2022-2025, including roles on the Executive Committee and as Secretary, have equipped me with a deep understanding of the council's operations. My active involvement in the Paralegal Studies TAC, past service on strategic and budget committees, and current participation in a hiring committee further showcase my dedication. I am also a frequent volunteer at campus events. My primary goal in rejoining the council is to be a strong advocate for all staff, ensuring their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed. I am passionate about fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that benefits both staff and the organization.

Pocatello Campus

Hello! My name is Annie Mendoza and I’ve worked at ISU for over 14 years. I am a Grant Project Coordinator for the Idaho HealthCorps AmeriCorps program in the Institute of Rural Health. I’ve also worked in the Audiology Clinic, Office of the Registrar, and Idaho Center for Disabilities Evaluation as part of my 14+ years of employment here.

I started my ISU journey as a student, earning a bachelor’s degree, and have worked at ISU most of my adult life! I love ISU and all it has to offer for students, staff, and the community.

I’m working on a Master of Public Administration degree (and will graduate this May!) and consider myself a lifelong learner. My personal hobbies include reading, crafting, watching old Hollywood movies, and watching my kiddos play sports.

I was elected to Staff Council last year but because I moved from a classified to a non-classified position, I need to run again to continue serving. This is where your help comes in!

I want to serve on Staff Council again because I am heavily invested in ISU! I believe in servant leadership and have enjoyed the past year serving. Being able to help plan activities, meet with administrators and staff, and promote Bengal Spirit have helped me grow and deepen my own Bengal Pride! I want to bring my unique perspectives and experience- along with yours- to provide leadership, promote staff needs in the university’s governance, and provide some fun activities for staff! It is so fulfilling being able to serve others through Staff Council, learn about what is going on in the University, and have some input into policy formation and events/functions. Thank you for your consideration!

Pocatello Campus

Hi, I am Evan Johnson, and I’m excited to serve as a Staff Council member. I appreciate the service the council’s members provide. I’ve always enjoyed serving and have served in various leadership roles throughout my life. For example, while I was participating as a member of the Boy Scouts of America program, and multiple honor societies, fraternities, and associations including the Finance Association, Beta Alpha Psi, and Phi Kappa Phi, just to name a few. In each case, I’ve enjoyed the chance to make an impact through my collaboration and leadership skills, and to make new friendships.

I currently work with the Office for Research and the College of Science and Engineering as a Senior

Accountant. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the ISU community through Staff Council.

Anchorage Campus

I’m excited to submit my name for consideration to serve on the ISU Staff Council. As the Alaska Programs Coordinator for the ISU College of Pharmacy, I’ve had the privilege of supporting students, advocating for staff, and helping shape positive outcomes across our institution. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, human services, and administrative leadership, I bring a deep understanding of policy development, student success, and inclusive workplace practices. I recently served as Chair of the College of Pharmacy Staff Council (2022–2024), where I worked to strengthen staff representation, elevate workplace concerns, and foster collaboration across departments. My career has focused on supporting diverse student populations, leading training and development efforts, and creating systems that help people succeed, both in the classroom and the workplace.

I care deeply about our ISU community and believe in building a strong, supportive environment where every staff member feels heard and valued. If elected, I’ll continue to bring energy, integrity, and a people-first approach to the important work of the Staff Council. Thank you for your consideration! Go Bengals!

Pocatello Campus

My name is Niquelle Lewis. I work as the Social Media Manager in Marketing and Communications, and I have for about 3 years now. I've come to love ISU and love working at a place where people are dedicated to bettering themselves and helping others reach things that they never thought possible in the past. I am so grateful for all I have learned here. I have served temporarily on Staff Council and would love to continue to do so.

Pocatello Campus

After 17 years at Idaho State University working with numerous departments, I am seeking your support for Staff Council. My extensive experience has given me unique insight into the diverse needs and challenges facing our university staff. I've built strong relationships throughout campus and understand how different areas operate and collaborate.

If elected, I will advocate for staff concerns, improve cross-campus communication, and support initiatives that enhance our work environment. My commitment is to represent all staff voices and work collaboratively with leadership to strengthen our ISU community.

I would be honored to serve as your representative on Staff Council and put my years of experience to work for you.

Pocatello Campus

I work as an academic advisor for the College of Arts and Letters and worked previously for the Office of Academic Advising. Throughout my time at ISU I have had the opportunity to work with staff members across the university. I've seen how so many of our vital operations rely on hardworking staff members who often fly under the radar, unrecognized. For the sake of the success of our students and the university as a whole, it's essential that we retain the incredibly knowledgeable and hardworking staff that we have through recognizing their efforts and ensuring we continue to make ISU an amazing place to work. I have so much respect and fondness for my fellow staff members. I would be honored to represent you.