ELECTION INFORMATION

Staff Congress Representatives are nominated from, and elected by, the staff of Morehead State University. There are 30 representatives on Staff Congress, representing a balanced percentage from each geographic area.

A candidate for Staff Congress Representative must be a full-time staff employee of Morehead State University. Persons nominated for all positions will be contacted to confirm that they agree to be on the election ballot.

There is no limit on the number of candidates who can declare nomination or be nominated for the 2024-25 elections.

Staff Congress Representatives are elected to act for geographic areas of MSU (both on and off-campus). More information on the Staff Congress Representation Model can be found in the Staff Congress Bylaws.

ELECTION NOTIFICATION  

The Staff Congress election is held annually in the spring. Each eligible staff member has the opportunity to vote via electronic ballot. The election link is sent to your MSU email account before the election. 

Areas of Geographic Representation

2024 Staff Regent Candidates

The 2024 Staff Regent Candidates are:

• Donna Besant
• David Flora
• Joel Pace

Donna Bessant

My name is Donna Besant, and I have lived in Morehead for over 27 years. After finding a true calling in higher education more than seven years ago, I now work in the Craft Academy as Academic Services Coordinator on the MSU campus. The interactions I have with students give meaning to my life.

When I am not working, I live at the Fish Hatchery down by the lake with my husband, Pete. I spend a lot of free time studying for my higher education doctorate. I am taking this path because I have a steadfast advocacy for student engagement and success, and diversity in education, which comes to me honestly. I’m a member of Green Dot bystander intervention, and I’d rather be the one who leads students to cultural understanding and appreciation of all people within a collaborative environment than be the one who turns a student away from education. We should celebrate the uniqueness of ourselves instead of shunning what is new, unusual, and special.

Putting education first as a lifelong learner, I put all my effort into every job I have had, learned new skills with each one, better ways to communicate, and see people where they are holistically. I’m not one to do what is easy; I’d rather do what is right instead, no matter how difficult. If elected, I will bring my life experience, my integrity, and my passion for learning and advocacy to this position of Staff Regent. I’d appreciate your vote.

Dave Flora

I am honored to announce my candidacy for the position of Staff Regent. With 20 years of dedicated service to our institution, including roles such as Director of Distance Education, Chair of the Staff Congress, and Project Manager in Information Technology, I am deeply invested in the well-being and success of our staff community.

If elected, I am committed to advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize the needs and interests of our staff members. This includes promoting professional development opportunities, fostering a supportive work environment, and ensuring that staff voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes.

I believe that a thriving university is one where every staff member feels empowered to contribute to the institution's mission and vision. As Staff Regent, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our staff members have the resources, support, and recognition they need to excel in their roles.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering collaboration and communication across all levels of the university community. By working together—staff, faculty, administration, and students—we can overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and create a more inclusive and equitable campus environment.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Morehead State University in this capacity, and I humbly ask for your support in the upcoming election. Together, let us continue to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and inclusivity that define our institution.

Thank you for your consideration.

Joel Pace

The Staff Regent should be someone who understands how the University works and has the experience to work with different populations. As a 27-year employee, I have worked in 3 different divisions, various units and a regional campus. I have worked to recruit students to MSU for over 25 years. I have served as Staff Congress Chair for 2 terms and served on most standing committees: chairing many. I am the best qualified candidate for this position.

As Staff Regent, I believe my focus and responsibility should be on representing and supporting the MSU staff. The responsibilities within this position involve evaluating the President and providing administrative oversight to key organizational initiatives. I have developed relationships with the other board members. There are several projects that I had hoped to see during my current term that remain incomplete. I am seeking this term to see many of these projects completed such as the opening of Wilson Hall, a new Science building and residence hall being constructed as well as the razing of Laughlin and Wetherby.

The role of Staff Regent should be to view key administrative issues through the lens of university staff. While there are certain issues where faculty and staff can jointly benefit, faculty are different and have separate interests and protections. The Staff Regent should always protect and look at the impact these issues have on the staff.

While there are other excellent candidates, I would ask for your support and vote to remain the Staff Regent.