Council kicks off new academic year

Members of the Professional and Scientific Council met Aug. 1 to kick off the 2013-14 academic year. President-elect Amy Tehan said the council's executive committee planned an Aug. 2 retreat to discuss upcoming council issues, including better communication strategies.

Two representatives were elected to fill open positions in the academic affairs division:

  • Josh Obrecht, systems analyst in the Institute for Design Research and Outreach
  • Jessica Bell, administrative specialist in the natural resource ecology and management department

Black faculty and staff

Council members learned about the newly reorganized Black Faculty and Staff Association and its resources for candidates during the interview process. Tera Jordan, chair of BFSA’s welcome committee, said it is an outreach effort to help candidates and their partners or spouses learn more about working and living in the university and Ames communities.

BFSA co-chair Audrey Kennis said about 130 ISU faculty and staff identify as black. She said the group has six active committees and the organization is open to all ISU faculty and staff, regardless of race or ethnicity.