University Staff Advisory Committee

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

2024-2025
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.

Apply to be a Staff Mentor

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:

Ryan Savka, Director of Sales
570.829.2661 ext. 1210
rsavka@odysseyfitnesscenter.com

Odyssey Fitness Flyer (.pdf)

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.