The NCSSM Staff Council was formally established in 1998 through the collaborative efforts of Dr. John Friedrick and NCSSM staff members, who were charged with developing a representative governance body for staff. Significant time was dedicated to developing the Council’s mission statement and bylaws. Upon their completion and adoption, the inaugural NCSSM SPA Staff Council was officially constituted.
The bylaws established a formal election process for the initial slate of officers, with elections conducted through a nomination process followed by a secret ballot. During the first year, candidates did not present platform statements in a public forum. After the inaugural election cycle, it was determined that public platform statements would provide staff with greater clarity in evaluating candidates for office. The first elections resulted in the following slate of officers:
Danny Watson - Chair
Vickie McNeil - Vice Chair
Shelia Butts - Corresponding Secretary
Barbara Namkoong - Treasurer
The inaugural year of the Staff Council served as a foundational period of development, establishing the parameters for future meetings and shaping the framework through which the Council would conduct its work.
The second year of the Staff Council elections was held with the following results:
Shelia Butts - Chair
Vickie McNeil - Vice Chair
Karen McFarland - Corresponding Secretary
Sandra Jackson - Treasurer
In its third year, the Staff Council amended its bylaws to permit officers to run for and serve two consecutive terms in the same office. This amendment was adopted to ensure continuity and sustain organizational momentum during a period of growth and effective leadership. Upon approval of the amendment, elections were conducted, resulting in the following slate of officers:
Shelia Butts - Chair
Sandra Jackson - Vice Chair
Russell Robinson - Corresponding Secretary
Vickie McNeil - Treasurer
Since its inception, the NCSSM SPA Staff Council has continued to develop and strengthen its role within the institution; however, growth in membership remains a priority. The fourth year of operation was identified as a period for intentional expansion in both participation and the scope of ideas.
Annual activities included presentations from representatives of SEANC, Human Resources, the Business Office, Dr. Boarman, and Dr. Slade, as well as a structured luncheon and facilitated breakout discussion sessions.
Officers selected for the fourth year of Staff Council, 2001-2002, were:
Sandra Jackson - Chair
Cassandra White Haire - Vice Chair
Barbara Newnam - Secretary
Marva Hicks - Treasurer
Since its inception, the NCSSM SPA Staff Council has continued to strengthen its role within the institution; however, increased membership has remained a strategic priority. The fourth year of operation was designated as a period for intentional growth in both participation and the breadth of ideas represented.
Annual activities included presentations by representatives from SEANC, Human Resources, the Business Office, as well as Dr. Boarman and Dr. Slade, in addition to a structured luncheon and facilitated breakout discussion sessions.
During 2002-2003, the Staff Council celebrated its fifth anniversary.
Officers elected for service were:
Barbara Newnam - Chair
Linwood Stewart - Vice Chair
Russell Robinson - Secretary
Lorna Lester - Treasurer
In addition, six Staff Council representatives were selected to reflect the diverse functional areas of the institution: Aryano Bush, Rick Hess, Karen McFarland, Mike Mitchell, Wanda Munn, and Deborah Whitt. Board of Trustees liaisons included Vicky Tripp, Bill Link, and Carole Stern. Sheila Butts served as Community Service Coordinator, and Marva Hicks served as After-School Tutoring Program Coordinator.
The theme for the year emphasized learning from one another, sharing institutional resources, and contributing to the overall excellence of the NCSSM community. Program meetings were held quarterly and featured presentations by Larry Brock, Board of Trustees member and Chair of the Fiscal and Human Resources Committee; Dr. Jerry Boarman, President; and Mike Reidy, Executive Vice President. Planning meetings were conducted on a monthly basis.
Activities for the year included the establishment of an Exercise Program; the introduction of SPA staff spotlights on the institutional website; enhancements to the Staff Council website; virtual birthday recognitions; participation in the SEANC Teddy Bear Drive; support of the Red Cross School Chest; and involvement in the annual Employee Awards Luncheon.
At the conclusion of the year, members of the planning board were recognized with certificates of appreciation, and each staff member received an NCSSM Staff Council calculator and notebook set in recognition of their service.