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Representative Spotlight: TONI M. THOMAS 
 
Toni M. Thomas has been an integral part of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) community for over two decades. As the Associate Dean of Academic Operations, Toni’s influence resonates throughout MIIS, helping shape its academic operations and fostering a positive learning environment.  

Toni’s journey with Middlebury began in October 2001. Not only has she been a valued staff member for many years, but she also completed her MBA program here, graduating in May 2000.

She has served as the District M* Member at Large since 2021, contributing her expertise and insights to the broader Middlebury community. Her role extends to Co-Secretary of the Executive Committee, where she facilitates communication within the council. Additionally, she has participated in the Compensation and Communications committees, dedicating her time and energy to addressing critical staff concerns. 

What inspired Toni to join Staff Council? She recognized the need for a strong staff voice in decisions that impact their work. Her motivation also stems from her desire to foster stronger relationships between the Institute and the College. Toni believes that by enhancing mutual understanding, we can streamline decision-making and ensure that everyone benefits equitably. 

Toni’s favorite Middlebury resource is the vibrant learning community. She actively participates in various workshops, including those led by experts like Renee Wells and Melissa Sorensen. These experiences have enriched her perspective and expanded her knowledge, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning in our community. She also values community gatherings at MIIS as an opportunity to connect with peers. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Toni has a passion for adventure travel. Her adventures have taken her kayaking and rafting in stunning locations worldwide. She’s paddled through the waters to witness the grandeur of Alaskan glaciers and ventured into the ocean for kayaking experiences in New Zealand. 

Join Toni in making Middlebury an even better place for all by expressing your interest in joining Staff Council. Simply fill out this form to submit your interest.

*District M represents: Middlebury Institute staff

Representative Spotlight: LEXIE CARLSON 

Lexie Carlson is a dedicated Senior Financial Operations Analyst in the Academic Affairs department at Middlebury. With her extensive experience and expertise in financial management, Lexie plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth financial operations within the department. Her passion for problem-solving, creative thinking, and enjoying a positive work environment has driven her to become an active member of the Middlebury Staff Council. 

Lexie joined Staff Council in an interim capacity in March of 2023. As a member of Staff Council, Lexie embraces the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from various departments and leverage their collective knowledge and resources. She firmly believes that Staff Council serves as a vital hub for staff members to work together across the institution and effect meaningful change. Lexie’s commitment to continuous improvement and her genuine desire to contribute to a positive work environment has made her a true asset to the council. 

When Lexie needs a break from her financial responsibilities, she loves to scoot out of the office to explore the Middlebury campus and the TAM (Trail Around Middlebury). This not only helps clear her mind but also provides a refreshing change of scenery. 

Fun fact: Lexie has an identical twin sister. Even though they no longer live in the same place, she still responds when someone calls out, “Hey, Kate!” assuming that they are referring to her.  

Consider joining Lexie on Staff Council as a representative. Simply fill out this form to submit your interest. 

*District A represents Academic Affairs, Academic Coordinators, Assessment and Institutional Research, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research, Digital Learning and Inquiry, Mahaney Arts Center, Dean of Faculty Office, Environmental Affairs, Middlebury in DC, New England Review, Provost’s Office, Registrar, Sciences Technical Support Services 

Kelsea Moulton joined the Staff Council spring of 2022. Her involvement in Staff Council has allowed her to take on multiple roles and responsibilities in her short tenure, including being the Co-Secretary of the Executive Committee and Chair of the Events Committee, in addition to her primary position as the District E Representative*.  

Beyond her work with Staff Council, Kelsea is also an HR Coordinator and works remotely from her home in Massachusetts. Her passion for building connections and relationships with other employees in the community is what drove her to join the council. She has found the Continuing Education Fund to be a valuable campus resource, especially as she pursues her master’s degree. 

In her free time, Kelsea enjoys hiking and has already completed all but one of VT’s four-thousand footers. She is eager to conquer the last one this summer. Kelsea’s dedication to her work and her hobbies is admirable, and her contributions to the Staff Council demonstrate her commitment to improving the community. 

Consider joining Kelsea as a representative on Staff Council. Simply fill out this form to submit your interest. 

*District E represents the Budget Office, College Bookstore, Controller’s Office, Finance and Treasurer’s Office, Human Resources, Public Safety, Ralph Myhre Golf Course, Rikert Outdoor Center, Snowbowl, Student Employment Office, Student Financial Services, Student Mail Center 

Stacie Marshall has been serving on the staff council for 6 years and her term representing District B will be up this June. She is currently on the Executive Committee, serving as the Vice President, and she is also on the Compensation and Events Committees. Stacie’s role outside of the Staff Council is as the Assistant to the VP for Advancement and she has been at the College for 10 years. When asked what drew her to join Staff Council, Stacie wrote, “Exactly our mission - to make Middlebury a great place to work!” Given her time serving as a Staff Council Representative, we know she has helped further that mission in many ways. Thank you, Stacie!

Stacie’s favorite Middlebury resource? She recommends staff members join committees, make connections, and take advantage of all the resources we have available to staff.  

Fun fact about Stacie: She currently is a Youth Mentor in Bristol and encourages others to join the fun and gain a new friend (mentorvt.org).

Are you a member of District B? Consider taking Stacie’s spot as a representative of the Staff Council next year. Simply fill out this form to submit your interest. Visit our contact us page for additional openings. 

*District B represents: Advancement, Communications, Printing and Mailing Services 

Jonathan Kemp, a former Staff Council representative, just recently started a position at the Whitin Observatory, Department of Astronomy, and Department of Physics at Wellesley College. While he is still transitioning from Middlebury, we wanted to share his spotlight so you all can join us in wishing him well at Wellesley.  

Jonathan started at Middlebury in 2014, working 9 years as the Telescope and Scientific Computing Specialist at the Mittelman Observatory on the Vermont campus. He had been on Staff Council for nearly two years as the District A* representative, where he served as the chair of the HR6 committee.  

When asked what drew him to join Staff Council, he wrote, “Service, advocacy, collaboration, and contribution.”  

Jonathan’s favorite Middlebury resources are to “explore and enjoy Middlebury’s unique sense of space, some favorite places beyond the Mittelman Observatory include the Antique Scientific Instruments Collection in Armstrong Science Library, the Greenhouse in McCardell Bicentennial Hall, the Abernethy Room in Axinn Center for the Humanities, and the Bread Loaf Mountain Campus. 

Fun fact about Jonathan: He spent 12.5 years in Hawaii before coming to Vermont! 

Are you a member of District A? Consider taking Jonathan’s spot as a representative on Staff Council. Simply fill out this form to submit your interest. 

*District A represents: Academic Affairs, Academic Coordinators, Assessment and Institutional Research, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research, Digital Learning and Inquiry, Mahaney Arts Center, Dean of Faculty Office, Environmental Affairs, Middlebury in DC, New England Review, Provost’s Office, Registrar, Sciences Technical Support Services 

Bob Cole has been on Staff Council for three years as the District M* representative, where he currently serves as the chair of the Elections committee and is an active member of the Communications Committee. Bob also served as the Vice President of the Staff Council his first two years. Bob is the Director, of Exploratory Initiatives & Partnerships in the Office of Digital Learning & Inquiry and joins us from the Monterey Campus at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. He has worked at Middlebury for 21 years. When asked what drew him to join Staff Council, he stated, “I was inspired to join Staff Council back in 2019 by our local Staff Advisory Team (SAT) who made it a priority to lay the groundwork for defining and strengthening the Institute’s representation in shared governance spaces. As a representative for MIIS on Middlebury’s Staff Council I serve in an ex-officio capacity on SAT which seeks to build community, support information sharing, and advocate for staff. It’s been a privilege to engage in the work of building relationships, collaborating across distance with staff colleagues on the Council, and representing the voices of Institute staff.”

Bob’s favorite Middlebury resource is the Our Green Thumb community garden. He says, “If you get a chance to visit the Institute, you’ll have to spend some time in Our Green Thumb community garden.” You can learn more about the garden in this news story.

Fun fact about Bob: He is an avid bike commuter and loves his commute to and from work along the Monterey peninsula coast.

Consider joining Bob as a representative on Staff Council. Simply fill out this form to submit your interest.

* District M represents the Middlebury Institute staff