The University Staff Advisory Committee (USAC) is charged with strengthening the Wilkes community by enhancing the channels of communication and serving as a liaison between the staff and administration.
Our Mission
- The committee will represent all levels of staff, and consists of both volunteers and appointed representatives. The purpose of the committee is to focus on issues affecting the overall staff community, not individual members. USAC will also work collaboratively with the Faculty Affairs Council (FAC) on issues of joint concern.
- The committee will strive for transparency, communicating our progress publicly through appropriate methods. USAC will work to strengthen communication between constituencies on campus through a two-way communication process. Participation by all staff members will be encouraged at the open forum portion of the regularly held meetings.
- The committee will address initiatives beneficial to the University community and work toward implementing solutions in a timely manner. All efforts will support the University strategic plan and align with the University mission, vision and goals.
Committee Members
| Name | Department |
|---|---|
| Mandy Pennington, Chair | Marketing Communications |
| Michele Garrison, Vice Chair | College of Health and Education |
| Julia Jacien, Treasurer | Nesbitt School of Pharmacy |
| Jennifer McLaughlin, Secretary | Honors Program |
| Cathy Lee Arcuino | Global Engagement |
| Kayci Brady | Student Financial Services |
| Janet Cussatt | Business Operations |
| Robert Eskra | IMAD, Esports |
| Lois Grimm | Center for Career Development and Internships |
| Joseph Housenick | Human Resources |
| Jacqueline Klahold | Athletics |
| Corey Moore | College of Business and Engineering |
| Lee Plank | Facilities |
| Teri Shovlin | College of Business and Engineering |
| Kelly Siegfried | Enrollment Operations |
Staff representation on Wilkes standing/search committees
| Name | Committee |
|---|---|
| Julia Jacien | Advancement |
| Robert Eskra | Board of Trustees Finance Committee |
| Michele Garrison | Budget Committee |
| Julia Jacien | Human Resources Committee |
| Lois Grimm | Wellness Committee |
Staff Recognition
USAC recognizes outstanding staff at Wilkes through two programs: "Caught Being Colonel" and the Colonel Quarterly Awards.
Learn More About our Staff Recognition
Staff Mentoring
Your Colonel Colleagues Need You! Apply to be a staff mentor and help welcome new employees into the Wilkes Community.
Employee Discounts
A variety of businesses offer discounts to Wilkes employees. You will need to present your Wilkes ID to access these discounts.
Barnes & Noble
10% off purchase (not applied to text books)
Benchmark Mortgage
No appraisal fee for the purchase or refinance closing on a new mortgage.
Benchmark Mortgage Flyer (.pdf)
Franco’s Pizzeria
10% off purchase
Genetti’s Hotel
Rates for a standard, 1-King Bed or 2-Queen Beds room type, and the associated ADA-compliant room types:
- $99.00 + 11% taxes (total $ 109.89) for Guests staying Sunday through Thursday.
- $139.00 + 11% taxes (total $ 154.29) for Guests staying Friday & Saturday.
The Hotel Jacuzzi Suites are NOT available at the College Visitor discount rate, but are available at other discounted rates, such as AARP or AAA.
Blackout dates may apply.
Hilton Garden Inn external website
Rate of $111 per night plus tax.
LawnStarter Pest Control
$20 off the first pest control service and choose from 50+ additional outdoor services. Use promo code EDU20 at the LawnStarter website external website.
Odyssey Fitness
Corporate Membership open to all employees and families of Wilkes University.
For more information, please review the flyer and/or contact:
Sam’s Club
Discount for new Club or Plus membership. See flyer for more details.
Offer valid through 01/30/23.
Sam's Club Discount Flyer (.pdf)
Verizon Wireless
15% discount. Visit Verizon Discounts external website to apply.
YMCA
Free membership to employees.
Wilkes University Athletics
Free admission for employees and family at all home events
Contact Us
If you have any questions for USAC, please email usac@wilkes.edu.