Story by Ashley Traylor, Interim Editor-in-Chief
Phil Schooley, telecommunications systems management online transfer adviser, was re-elected as Staff Regent, clinching the election with about 80 more votes than his opponents.
Schooley has experience on the governance Board of Regents, as this year marks his ninth year as Staff Regent, and his new term will begin July 1.
“It makes me both proud and humble that my fellow staff members place their trust in me to represent them,” Schooley said. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank those staff members who supported me.”
Carol Brunn, special projects coordinator and coordinator for Town and Gown, and SG Carthell, senior director of diversity initiatives, ran against Schooley in the election. There were a total of 325 voters out of 973 staff that were eligible to vote. Of those 325 voters, Schooley received 159 votes, while Brunn and Carthell received 85 and 81, respectively.
Brian Schooley, Schooley’s son and recent graduate of Murray State’s doctor of education program, said he is proud of his dad being re-elected as Staff Regent.
“I got my love of Murray State from him, watching him be a proud alumni to now being a proud member of the staff and Board of Regents,” Brian said. “I can’t think of many people who love this place more than him. He loves his position as Staff Regent and takes the responsibility extremely serious because he knows he can foster change and great things for the university.”
In addition to serving as Staff Regent, since coming to Murray State 17 years ago, Schooley has served in campus governance, such as Staff Congress, Parking and Transportation Work Group, Staff Congress president, Faculty and Staff Insurance and Benefits committee and Faculty and Staff Leadership committee. He also served on many Board of Regents committees.
“I have served in a variety of capacities which has made it possible for me to develop a productive working relationship with Murray State staff members campus-wide as well as affording me the beneficial experience of working with the faculty,” Phil said in his questionnaire in regards to how he would be an effective Staff Regent. “I have gained insight into the concerns of each of these groups which has enabled me to work effectively with them to move Murray State forward.”
Phil said he enjoys holding this position because he is a link between the Board of Regents, the administration and all of the staff members. He said it gives him an opportunity to keep the staff informed of the issues and convey their needs and concerns to the administration and the Board of Regents.
Though his duty is to inform staff members of issues affecting Murray State, he said the biggest challenge is being an advocate for every staff member and ensuring that projects and policies support the staff. He said his goal as Staff Regent is to be a strong voice and promote and protect the interests of Murray State’s staff.
The Staff Regent must be a full-time staff member of the university, classified as a non-teaching personnel and have been employed at Murray State for at least three years as of March 6, 2018.
Voting took place March 6-8, and the results of the election were announced March 9.