Logo for Middlebury Middlebury Middlebury

Staff Council

Staff Council Update: August 18, 2023

| by Nicole Veilleux

Staff, Updates

We extend our appreciation to those who worked hard to ensure the smooth operation of summer programs across Middlebury, including Language Schools, School of the Environment, Spanish Community Interpreting, and Bread Loaf. The final days of August are often a whirlwind of activity, including orientation prep, practicum presentations, First@Midd, gearing up for fall classes, etc. Thank you for all your efforts. 

Following a brief hiatus in our Staff Council updates in July, we are happy to be reconnecting with you today and welcoming this year’s Staff Council members.

Announcements

2023-24 Staff Council 

Please send your congratulations and welcome to the newly elected Staff Council representatives for 2023-24: 

  • District A: Lexie Carlson, Senior Financial Operations Analyst, Academic Affairs 
  • District B: Caroline Crawford, Senior Writer for Institutional Marketing Communications 
  • District D: Asa Waterworth, University Relations Associate in International Programs and Off-Campus Student Programs 
  • District F: Jim Zeiger, HVAC, Mechanic for Maintenance and Operations 
  • District M: Elizabeth Bone, Career and Academic Advisor: Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies 
     

Who will join current representatives: 

  • District C: Nicole Veilleux, Assistant Director, Communications and Outreach, Center for Careers and Internships 
  • District K: Brent Simons, Dining Services Manager, Ross Dining 
  • District L: Terry Simpkins, Director, Discovery & Access Services, College Libraries 
  • Member at Large: Colleen Norden, Systems & Communications Specialist, Center for Teaching, Learning & Research 
  • Member at Large MIIS: Toni Thomas, Associate Dean Academic Operations, Fisher MBA 

 

Note: District E and District J are currently vacant. We are reaching out to individuals and district groups to fill the positions. Lists of district areas are on our Contact Us page. If you are interested or have questions, contact Colleen Norden at cnorden@middlebury.edu. 

2023-24 Committee Selections 

Become active with Staff Council through a committee. Staff Council is a vital part of our community, dedicated to making Middlebury a great place to work. As employees, you have the power to shape our workplace and influence change. A great way to do that is to be on a committee and contribute regularly to critical discussions. 

Joining a committee is a great way to: 

  • Meet people throughout Middlebury’s community 
  • Understand the workings of different committees and governance
  • Explore Middlebury outside your regular role 

You do not need to be an elected representative to be a committee member! All you need is an interest in helping to make Middlebury a better place to work. Please fill out this form to let us know of your interest. 

Current committees include: 

  • Budget Advisory (Correction: Staff Resources)
  • Communications 
  • Community Council 
  • Conflict Transformation 
  • Continuous Improvement 
  • Compensation and Benefits 
  • Elections 
  • Events 


If you would like to participate on a committee, please fill out this form and let us know of your interest. Once we hear from you, we will work with you to identify how to get involved. In most cases, we are able to place new committee members with the primary committee of their choice. In some cases, we may ask you to choose another committee, or we may place you on a list for the following year. 
 
If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Staff Council, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the district reps or executive committee members. Staff Council welcomes your input, ideas, and contributions, and we look forward to working with you to make Middlebury the best it can be. 

Meeting Updates 

Staff Council is working on a schedule of meetings for the fall. If you would like to see a particular guest or have a potential presentation for an open meeting, then email staffcouncil@middlebury.edu your suggestions. 

Representative Spotlight: BRENT SIMONS 

Brent Simons, Manager of Ross Dining, has been a dedicated member of the Middlebury community for 34 years. With his extensive experience, Brent plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation in Laforce Hall/Ross Dining for students and employees alike. When a coworker sought Brent’s assistance, the collaboration resonated with his want to make Middlebury a better place for everyone. Looking to increase positive changes for his colleagues, he became an active participant in the Middlebury Staff Council last year.  

Serving as the Dining (District K) Representative Brent has been a member of the HR-6 Committee and also serves as an Ombudsperson, furthering both effective communication and conflict resolution within our community. Consider joining Brent on Staff Council as a representative. Simply fill out this form to submit your interest. 

Fun fact about Brent: He is a bass guitarist and an amateur historian. He also finds inspiration in the views that Middlebury’s Vermont campus offers.

*District K represents dining.