HUSA Executive Committee Member Testimonials 

Learn more about serving on the Hamline University Staff Association (HUSA)
Executive Committee from current and former representatives!  

CURRENT HUSA OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Kerri Coughlin, President 

I joined HUSA not long after beginning at Hamline and it really helped me come out of my shell and learn more about Hamline--both the university and the surrounding community. HUSA has allowed me to better connect with the campus and get to know people across departments. I love that HUSA enables me to create change here at Hamline to better the working environment for myself and my colleagues while also providing opportunities for collaboration with people I wouldn't typically work with otherwise. 

Tammie Hertz, Vice President

I am a firm believer in the fact that if you want to see a positive working environment, you should be an active member of the campus community.  We should all strive to build a better Hamline, and in my opinion, that starts with building an active staff association.  I truly enjoy getting to know my colleagues through the work of HUSA.  It gives us a space to build community across campus while also giving staff a voice in many of the processes that impact our working environment.

Kimberly Feilmeyer, Treasurer
I firmly believe that Hamline staff have important knowledge and insights regarding students, programs, and services. The University can only really operate at its full potential when it leverages significant input from all sections of the Hamline community. As a member of any Hamline committee, I strive to share staff input and feedback to achieve better policies, plans, and/or programs.

Amy Sheehan, Secretary
I bring strong communication skills, an extensive knowledge of Hamline, and a dedicated commitment to enhancing staff representation in campus decision making. I'm invested in finding ways to increase Hamline staff engagement and helping staff reap recognition for their hard work.  I believe it is possible to recruit talented people for Hamline staff roles, and for Hamline to find ways to retain those dedicated employees. Continuity of service is critical to the student, faculty, and staff experience at Hamline.  

Molly Doran, HUSA Representative
I joined HUSA 9 years ago and truly enjoyed working with colleagues across campus. I served on the elections and services to staff subcommittees. We hosted weekly HUSA lunches (that have recently been resurrected) and planned staff-oriented professional development opportunities. It’s a privilege to re-join the HUSA Executive Committee.

Kareem Watts, HUSA Representative
I will contribute by working with the HUSA Executive Committee on developing professional development and engagement opportunities for staff members interested in professional advancement in higher education, allyship practices for DEI and Anti-racism, and perhaps working together to launch Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). 

Wendy WendtVanGuilder, HUSA Representative

In my short time with HUSA we have offered so many opportunities for employees to hear from important Administrative heads, keeping lines of communication open and having a transparent picture of the happenings on campus.  I feel valued and appreciated, my opinion and insight matters as we collaborate on different projects and events to involve staff and keep engagement going. 

FORMER MEMBERS (in alphabetical order by last name)
Halsey Aitchison
Serving on the Hamline University Staff Association (HUSA) was an incredibly rewarding experience as a newer employee. During my time on the committee, I had the opportunity to meet fellow staff members and learn about various departments across campus. Through our meetings, events, and initiatives, I witnessed firsthand the importance of having staff representation on campus. I am grateful for the chance to serve on HUSA and look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of our staff community!

Patrick Haught
As the Advisor of the Hamline Undergraduate Student Congress, I recognize and understand the importance of shared governance on campus. It is critical that we have platforms where everyone in the Hamline community can have their voices heard, and these voices can be effectively amplified to upper administration. I have enjoyed working with HUSC to create and improve these platforms for students, and being part of HUSA gave me an opportunity to do the same for staff.

Sirena Huppert
When I came to Hamline I had no Higher Ed experience, so I had no idea what to expect. I could not have imagined that I would find such a dedicated, passionate, and friendly community of staff, faculty, and students. I think strengthening our bonds across campus will make the Hamline community stronger and I think that my dedication to building relationships, sharing knowledge, and experience working with a variety of staff and students in the Hamline community, will be perfect for facilitating this!

Leah Kodner (former HUSA President)
Serving on HUSA was a great way to build connections with members of the Hamline community that I had yet to work with, and to learn more about all the aspects of the Hamline community of which we are all a part. Being in a position to hear what Hamline staff members wanted and needed and trying to help them get those things was very rewarding. It's great to be able to see tangible ways in which you are making a difference! 

Beth Rittler
Serving on HUSA allowed me the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of other units across campus as well as the interests and/or concerns of staff.  Likewise I was able to share my perspective and experiences with others on the committee.  HUSA members have the ability to contribute to the well-being of colleagues and make a positive impact on our campus!

Kelly Rudney
I really enjoyed my time on HUSA, they were meetings I genuinely looked forward to! It was energizing and stimulating to be part of conversations with colleagues that were outside of typical work responsibilities, but important to our work in the broader scope of supporting our staff community at Hamline.  

Jarred Sampson
Since I work in CASA and also in the athletic department, I am familiar with a wide variety of offices and employees at Hamline and work with them on a regular basis. I think collaboration is key to be successful and I feel that my connections with different areas would allow me to help make a positive influence with our diverse staff.

Danielle Zdon

My role at Hamline allows me to work with various staff from different departments.  I see how different roles supporting students connects us all.  Having a small understanding of what we all contribute encourages empathy and strengthens our community. I feel my role facilitating conversation with faculty and staff will be a strength I can carry to HUSA.  I enjoy building relationships and problem solving collaboratively. 

If you are a former HUSA member and you would like to add a testimonial, please email husa@hamline.edu