Amy BakerDepartment: Physician Associate Education I am interested in serving on the Budget Review Committee because I value transparent collaborative financial stewardship that supports the mission West Chester University. As the inaugural department chair for Physician Associate Education, I managed the start-up funding for the PA Program and the ongoing department's budget by balancing strategic priorities with responsible fiscal decision-making. This experience has given me an appreciation for the complexities of budgeting in higher education and the importance of understanding institutional financial challenges from a university-wide perspective. I have also served on the board of a local community athletic club where the balance of budget maintenance had to be considered while implementing new initiatives. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to the WCU Budget Review Committee's work while helping foster greater understanding of the University's budgeting process within my academic community. Hadih DeedatDepartment: Undergraduate Social Work I respectfully submit my self-nomination to serve on the University Budget Committee. As Chairperson and Program Director of the Undergraduate Social Work Department, I have seen firsthand how budgets and fiscal allocation affect department priorities and faculty work. I know that there are only so many ways to allocate the resources we have, yet I am cognizant of the effects of decision-making at the micro level, which, in the long term, affects student success. I am committed to the University's mission, values, and vision, and I recognize that effective budgeting requires thoughtful collaboration, open communication, and a university-wide perspective. Throughout my leadership roles, I have worked to align departmental initiatives with broader institutional goals, manage limited resources effectively, and pursue external funding opportunities that enhance student learning and academic excellence. My experience overseeing departmental budgets, leading strategic planning efforts, and administering grant-funded initiatives has given me an understanding of both the opportunities and constraints that shape university finances. If selected, I will approach this role not as an advocate for a single department, but as a collaborative partner committed to understanding the complexities of the University's budget and supporting sound, transparent fiscal decision-making. I value transparency and equity and believe that one of the committee's most important responsibilities is fostering greater awareness of the University's financial landscape across campus. I will actively learn about the budgeting process, contribute thoughtfully to committee discussions, and communicate that knowledge to colleagues in ways that foster shared understanding and trust. I would be honored to serve on the Budget Committee and to contribute my leadership experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to responsible stewardship to support the University's long-term success. I hope to earn your vote! Marc GagneDepartment: Earth and Space Sciences I served as chair of Earth and Space Sciences from 2005-2011 and am serving again starting this year. In the intervening years I served as interim associate dean and interim AVP of Research and Sponsored Programs. I am active in astronomy research and involved in fundraising and outreach for the WCU Mather Planetarium. I have served on TEP for four terms, and served on CAPC and Faculty Senate. I would be honored to serve the University further in this capacity. David JonesDepartment: Art + Design Serving as Chair of the Art + Design Department has given me a strong foundation in fiscal stewardship, strategic resource allocation, and the broader challenges of university budgeting. I welcome the opportunity to serve on the University Budget Review Committee, where I can apply this experience to support thoughtful, transparent, and responsible fiscal review. Created and copyrighted by Clifford Johnston, 2000-12 |