Staff Senate
About Us
Through regular forums and meaningful engagement, the Staff Senate works to foster a positive, respectful work environment where every staff member feels heard and valued. Whether it's supporting professional development, sharing ideas to improve campus operations or advising the Chancellor on staff-related matters, the Senate plays an essential role in shaping the BraveNation experience for all employees.
At UNCP, we believe in growing together — and the Staff Senate is here to help lead the way.
- Sponsor the Campus Conversations and other avenues for staff to provide input on campus-related topics.
- Represent UNCP in the UNC Staff Assembly, giving UNCP a voice at the state level.
- Serve as liaison between staff members and the Chancellor and other governing bodies, and as ombudsman when requested during the grievance process.
- Initiate the review of University policies and/or procedures and make recommendations regarding interests/concerns that affect staff members.
- Be aware of what is happening on campus and around the state and share this with co-workers.
- Volunteer and contribute to community service events.
- Nominate worthy co-workers to be recognized as Employees of the Month.
- Run for Staff Council in the spring.
To contact the UNCP Staff Senate, send an email to staff.senate@uncp.edu or visit the Staff Senate members page.
The UNC Staff Assembly is the elected body of representatives of the staff of the seventeen campuses of the University of North Carolina , System Office, and affiliates. Its objectives are set forth in the Assembly's Charter.
The goal of the UNC Staff Assembly is to improve communications, understanding, and morale throughout the whole of our respective communities, and to increase efficiency and productivity in campus operations.
Meet the Chair
Since joining UNCP in 2013, I’ve focused on practical problem-solving and servant
leadership to improve the daily lives of our staff and students. I helped launch Brave
Central — a one-stop hub that simplified student services — and co-led BravesKickoff
during the pandemic, pivoting it into a successful hybrid event. In the Office of
General Counsel, I’ve led process improvements in insurance and risk management that
produced significant annual savings, supported Board of Trustees compliance and ERM
work and collaborated across campus on policies, contracts and training. I also teach
Honors Freshman Seminar and jump in wherever needed — from TEDxUNCPembroke (license
holder/organizer) to two record-setting SECC campaigns.
I’ve served on Staff Council (Parliamentarian, Vice Chair, and Acting Chair) and represented
UNCP in the UNC System Staff Assembly. Each year, I volunteer for the Chancellor’s
Cup Golf Tournament. These experiences strengthened my belief that when staff thrive,
the whole university thrives.
I’m excited to continue that work on Staff Senate — championing transparent communication,
professional growth and practical solutions that improve the day-to-day experience
of staff at UNC Pembroke and across the UNC System.
2025-2026
| Members | Department | |
|---|---|---|
| M. Gordon Byrd, Chair | Office of the General Counsel | michael.byrd@uncp.edu |
| Phyllis Smith, Secretary | Financial Aid & Scholarships | |
| Penny Oxendine, Parliamentarian | Student Center | penny.oxendine@uncp.edu |
| Francine Cummings | American Indian Heritage Center | |
| Tyler Smith | Center for Student Success | |
| Brent Locklear | Center for Student Success | |
| Makayla Locklear | University College | |
| Allison Cummings | Department of Occupational Therapy | |
| Bryan Partner | Advancement | |
| Marquitta Harrington | Division of Information Technology | |
| Allie Britt | Braves Card Office | |
| Evan Long | Housing & Residence Life | |
| Meg Dutnell | Student Engagement | |
| Halona Hunt | Career Center | |
| Paula Cummings | Givens Performing Arts Center | |
| Kevin Witmore | Facilities, Planning and Construction | |
| Kim McMillan | University Advancement | |
| Danquis McDaniel | Campus Engagement | |
| Jamee Freeman | Office of Undergraduate Admissions | |
| Kamren Lewis | Leadersing, Learning and Community | |
| Angela Revels | Staff Senate Liasion |