Governance and Working Structure

This governance framework outlines sponsorship, leadership, membership, and responsibilities for the university’s classification effort. It clarifies who sets direction, who conducts the work, and how decisions and communication flow across campus.

Sponsoring Division: Student Affairs

Student Affairs provides institutional oversight and serves as the executive sponsor for the classification effort. The division ensures the initiative aligns with university priorities and receives appropriate support.

Responsibilities:

• Approve major decisions and allocate necessary resources.

• Ensure alignment with leadership priorities and governing boards.

• Communicate progress to senior leadership and campus stakeholders.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee sets direction, ensures alignment, and approves recommendations. It establishes the roadmap and coordinates with academic and administrative units to maintain institutional coherence.

Leadership:

• Co-Chair: Dr. Lindsey Gilmore

• Co-Chair: Dr. Brandon Di Paolo

Members:

• Dr. Lisa Sullivan

• Kris Phillips

• Jordan Harmon

• Alexandra Wills

• Fonda Fields

• Dannelle Whiteside

• Claudia Alonzo

Responsibilities:

• Establish timeline, milestones, and review gates.

• Approve workgroup recommendations and policy updates.

• Ensure institutional alignment across academic and administrative units.

Working Group

The Working Group includes representatives from areas across the university and conducts the core assessment and documentation. Members gather evidence, draft narratives, and identify improvements to strengthen engagement.

Membership:

• Brad Averitt

• Deja James

• Dr. Hassan Said

• Dr. Kathy Lee Heuston

• Dr. Misty Ring-Ramirez

• Dr. Chad Brooks

• Dr. Karen Meisch

• Meagan Potts

• Dr. Allie Michael

• Dr. Donna Short

• LaNeeca Williams

• Dr. Kathrine Bailey

• Ginna Holleman

• Jasmin Linares

• Corporal Adam King

• Dr. Carol Clark

• Dr. Kyle Christmas

Responsibilities:

• Gather and analyze data for all application sections.

• Identify exemplars and write narratives that demonstrate impact and reciprocity.

• Recommend institutional improvements to strengthen engagement.

Decision-Making and Communication Flow

• Oversight: Student Affairs sponsors and oversees the effort, approves major decisions, and provides resources.

• Direction: The Steering Committee sets strategy, timeline, and review gates; it approves recommendations and policy updates.

• Execution: The Working Group conducts assessment, documentation, and narrative development; it proposes improvements.

• Communication: Student Affairs reports progress to senior leadership and campus stakeholders to maintain transparency and alignment.