Members

WACSS 2023-2024 committee photo

Do you wish learn more about or join the Workforce Action Committee for Spartan Staff? You can find the information and complete the application HERE!

Members are eligible to serve for two, two-year terms.  If you have any questions please contact wacss@msu.edu.


 

Current Members Representing Term Date of Terms
Sarah Carroll APSA 1st Term 11/01/22-6/30/24
Heather Dover APA 1st Term 11/1/21 - 6/30/23
Rachel Duncan APSA 1st Term 7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Mary Keyes CTU 1st Term 7/1/21 - 6/30/23
Kareen Lubas APA 1st Term 7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Arianna Perrien APA 2nd Term 7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Lindsey Rose APA 2nd Term 7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Taren Storrs APA 1st Term 7/1/21 - 6/30/23
Taylor Unrath CTU 1st Term 7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Harmony Van Valkenberg APSA 1st Term 7/1/21 - 6/30/23
Alison Virag-McCann APSA 2nd Term 7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Rati Walther APA 1st Term 11/1/22 - 6/30/24
Ashley Wilson CTU 1st Term 7/1/22 - 6/30/24
Meghan Loughlin-Krusky APA 1st Term 7/1/23 - 6/30/25
Amber Wise CTU 1st Term 7/1/23 - 6/30/25
Lindsay Lake-Hefner Labor (sub) 1st Term 7/1/23 - 6/30/25
EX-OFFICIO Department
Jabbar R. Bennett Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion
Christina K. Brogdon Human Resources
Jaimie Hutchison WorkLife Office

WACSS Member Features

  • Member Feature: Heather Dover

    headshotHeather Dover (she/her)

    2022-2023 DEI Subcommitee Chair, 2021-2023 APA Member

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    I've enjoyed attending a number of WACSS events in the past. I wanted to give back and help support WACSS.

    Do you volunteer somewhere?

    I am President of the Michigan Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Although I don't actively practice as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I enjoy staying engaged with the profession. I also serve on the Ingham County Board of Health as a way to support my local community.

    What WACSS initiative are you most proud of?

    The WACSS Insight Series highlights issues relevant to support staff, as well as opportunities to be in community with others who identify as women

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    Lewis Landscape Arboretum

    If you were coming out onto a stage or up to bat, what would your entrance theme song be?

    Call Me by Blondie

    Tell us who your hero is and why.

    Wonder Woman, because she's awesome and would totally beat Superman!

  • Member Feature: Meghan Hill

    headshotMeghan Hill (she/her)
    2022-2023 CTU Member

    If you were coming out onto a stage or up to bat, what would your entrance theme song be?

    Shania Twain - Man I Feel Like A Woman

    What is your go-to, binge-worthy TV show?

    Friends or Outlander

    Tell us about your pets!

    I have two cats, a black tabby named Salem and an orange tabby named Socks.

    Where do you go for your favorite hot beverage and what do you order there?

    Starbucks - brown sugar shaken espresso w/oatmilk or a dirty chai latte

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    I joined WACSS to help ensure that the support staff of the university are advocated for and have their voices heard.

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    The Horticulture Demonstration Gardens

  • Member Feature: Mary Keyes

    Mary KeyesMary Keyes (she/her)
    2021-2023 CTU Member

    Why did you join WACSS?

    I joined WACSS to be a voice for CT Support Staff across campus and make a difference on their behalf.

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list?

    I don't know about the "next" place, but my #1Bucket List vacation is to travel to Egypt

    Do you volunteer somewhere?

    I volunteer with the Michigan Odyssey of the MindProgram. Odyssey of the Mind is an international creative problem solving program for students inK-College. I have supported the program for 29 yearsas of AY 2022-2023 and love seeing the change instudents from year to year.

    Tell us about your pets!

    We have 2 dogs, Tobie (4 months old) and Bear-Bear (4 years old). Tobie is a Bernadoodle and Bear-Bear is a Daschund mix. Both are happy and silly little guys and we love them very much. We also keep Chickens as we live in the original homestead of my family's farm.

  • Member Feature: Emily Khan

    Emily KhanEmily Khan (she/her)
    2022-2023 Immediate Past-Chair, 2019-2023 CTU Member

    What is your go-to, binge-worthy TV show?

    Supernatural: it may be 15 seasons long, but the seasons go by quickly—and I keep going back to watch again!

    Where do you go for your favorite hot beverage and what do you order there?

    My go-to is a vanilla latte, but I vary on where I go. Foster Coffee, Blue Owl, and Strange Matter are great local places that I frequent.

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

    Japan—I actually have a trip planned there for this April with my husband! I haven't travelled outside of the U.S./Canada, and figured I should "go big" for my first international trip. I've actually been studying Japanese for nearly two years now in preparation and am so excited to put it to use. Japan looks beautiful and has such vibrant history and culture, so I'm really excited to go!

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    I initially joined WACSS as a way to get involved as part of the support staff community and support my fellow Spartan support staff members and their work across the university.

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    There are too many to choose from but a few "hidden gems" I used as a student are the Pillar Room in Snyder-Phillips and upper floor seating areas in the B-wing of Wells Hall.

  • Member Feature: Arianna Perrien

    Arianna PerrienArianna Perrien (she/her)

    2020-2023 Treasurer, 2020-2022 CTU Member

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    My two primary reasons for joining WACSS were to invoke positive change for support staff through advocacy and networking/gaining friendships and professional partnerships.

    What WACSS initiative or project are you most proud of?

    I am extremely excited about the launch of our Beyond the Book, book club.

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    The food court of course! Anywhere I can get a good bite to eat is a place of pure happiness in my book!

    If you were coming out onto a stage or up to bat, what would your entrance theme song be?

    Ain't No Rest For The Wicked - Cage The Elephant

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

    Colorado or Montana - I would love to see ranches and scenery there, it looks absolutely breathtaking - and QUIET!

    If you could only eat one item of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Steak! We raise our own beef and there is nothing better than a delicious ribeye!

  • Member Feature: Lindsey Rose

    Lindsey RoseLindsey Rose (she/her)
    2020-2023 Vice Chair, 2020-2023 APSA Member

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    I joined WACSS to make connections outside of my department circle and help make an impact on campus. Since starting a new role, I'm happy to have the opportunity to help bring voice to other areas of MSU outside of the main campus.

    Where is your favorite place around your place of work?

    I work in Flint - the Flint Farmer's Market is adjacent to our office and always has new and exciting things to try!

    If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?

    Instagram, Baby Tracker, Starbucks

    Where do you go for your favorite hot beverage and what do you order there?

    Starbucks: Matcha Latte with Soy

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list, and why?

    I am taking my daughter to the most magical place on earth for her first trip!

    Tell us about your pets!

    We have 2 spoiled boxers that are never far from my side

  • Member Feature: Taren Storrs

    Taren StorrsTaren Storrs (she/her)
    2022-2023 Secretary, 2021-2023 APA Member

    Immediate Past Chair

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    Professional development opportunity, a chance to expand my network, and pursue passion for advocacy for those whose voice isn't always represented

    What WACSS initiative(s) or project(s) are you most proud of?

    The effort to the president for getting additional paid time off over the 2021 holiday season, more lactation rooms across campus for pumping/nursing moms, and the WACSS Annual Report.

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    I love walking from the Union, past Beaumont Tower, over the bridge behind the library to Wells Hall.

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list?

    Norway and Finland

    If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?

    IG, FB, MSUFCU

  • Member Feature: Harmony Van Valkenberg

    Harmony Van ValkenbergHarmony Van Valkenberg (she/her)
    2021-2023 APSA Member

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    I hope to make a positive impact on women support staff at MSU.

    What WACSS initiative or project are you most proud of?

    The Spring Forum and the summer get together are a great way to connect across campus.

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    The MSU Gardens

    What is your go-to, binge-worthy TV show?

    I Love The Bachelor and The Bachelorette

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list?

    Europe

    If you could only eat one item of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Tacos

    Tell us who your hero is and why.

    My mom is my hero. We lost her in 2012 to breast cancer but she fought for 20+ years. She was kind, strong and most of all loved us all so deeply.

  • Member Feature: Alison Virag McCann

    Alison Virag McCannAlison Virag McCann
    2021-2023 APA Member

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    To make an impact, improve the work environment, and meet new people.

    What WACSS initiative(s) or project(s) are you most proud of?

    The Spartner Mentorship program and encouraging university leadership to reward the hard work of support staff with 3 days off over the holidays.

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    Walking the Red Cedar. I love being able to walk down the sidewalk with Spartan Stadium standing over me.

    If you were coming out onto a stage or up to bat, what would your entrance theme song be?

    I Hope You Dance by Leann Womack

    If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?

    Seesaw, Okta, and Netflix

    Tell us who your hero is and why.

    Mentor of mine as a kid, she got me into computers, believed in me and encouraged me to push through in a male-dominated industry. I certainly did!
  • Member Feature: Sarah Carroll

    Sarah CarrollSarah Carroll
    2022-2024 APSA Member

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    In the spring of 2022 I completed serving five years on the CANR Staff Advisory Committee, most recently as the chair, and this opportunity with WACSS is a logical next level to continue providing a voice for support staff across the university.

    What WACSS initiative or project are you most proud of?

    Being new I'm most excited to see the work that has been done to promote collaborations and exploring the opportunities to expand representation of the committee.

    Where is your favorite place around your place of work?

    I work off-campus at MSU's Kellogg Biological Station on beautiful Gull Lake. The views along the lake are beautiful and the hiking trails at MSU's Kellogg Bird Sanctuary are perfect for an afternoon break.

    If you could only eat one item of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Salad! I know, odd choice, but you can do so much with a salad.

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list?

    Iceland for the Northern Lights

    If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep?

    Spotify, YNAB (You Need A Budget), Apple Maps

    Tell us about your pets!

    Both are rescues; Domer is a 10-year-old mutt who sleeps 22 hours a day but is like velcro. Prim, our lab/cattle dog mix, is a 3-year-old spazz who has an unhealthy obsession with tennis balls.

  • Member Feature: Rati Walther

    Rati WaltherRati Walther
    2022-2024 APA Member

    Why did you join WACSS and what are you hoping to accomplish?

    I am greatly influenced by the committee's values of advocacy, engagement, empowerment and development of women support staff across the campus through effective partnership with the senior leadership and management at the University. I wish to contribute to and enhance the impactful change and outcomes of the committee.

    Where is your favorite place on the main MSU campus?

    I enjoy taking walks by the Beaumont Memorial Tower.

    Do you volunteer somewhere? Where, and why do you give your time there?

    I have volunteered at my children's schools through various school and school related extra curricular activities. Teachers leave an indelible mark on the learning and development of the children, and I find assisting them in their commitments very fulfilling.

    Where do you go for your favorite hot beverage and what do you order there?

    Starbucks or Biggby - Soy Latte

    If you could only eat one item of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Banana

    Where's the next place on your travel bucket list?

    I would love to visit Greece, for the love of food, history, nature and people.