Contact: Crystal Drake, Office of Strategic Communications
The Tuskegee University Staff Senate formally welcomed a new cohort of staff senators and associate members during a recent induction ceremony that highlighted service, leadership, and the importance of shared governance across campus.
New Staff Senators
- Latasha Wiley – Student First Career Advisor, Career Education and Leadership Development Center
- Frank Lee – Public Safety and Emergency Management Consultant, Department of Public Safety
- Chankia Berry – Veterinary Social Worker, Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine
- Casandra Carlisle – Office Administrator Coordinator, Office of Distance Education and Online Learning
New Associate Members
- Billie Grant – Coordinator, Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program
- Kevin Lee – Budget Manager, National Center for Bioethics in Research and Healthcare
- Kiearra Buchannon – Administrative Assistant to the Director, Integrative Bioscience (IBS) Program
- Tabitha Piner – Administrative Assistant/Budget Manager, College of Arts and Sciences
- Rajeev Menon – Research Technician, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences
- Cynthia Wilson – Collection Manager Educator, Library Services
- Lakiah Clark – Program Manager, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences
The Tuskegee University Staff Senate serves as the legislative body representing staff interests,playing a vital role in shaping policies and fostering communication across the institution. Its responsibilities include developing and recommending policies affecting staff not covered by labor agreements and maintaining oversight of staff-related matters between general staff meetings.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Preston Robinson, Director of Institutional Research. Dr. Robinson previously served the Staff Senate in multiple leadership roles, including four years as chair and an additional year in an advisory capacity.
In his remarks, Dr. Robinson underscored the significance of service within the Staff Senate.
“Staff Senate and associate members are bridge builders, stewards, and servant leaders,” Dr. Robinson said. “You are showing love through service.”
He also commended the leadership of current Staff Senate Chair Nikasha Jones, Academic Support Services Coordinator for the R.E.A.C.H. Center. Dr. Robinson highlighted Jones’ efforts to expand employee development opportunities through the introduction of LinkedIn Learning, as well as her leadership in launching the Unity Circle program and advocating for compensation alignment to promote equitable pay across the university.
Later in the program Jones commended the Senate members for their willingness to serve, acknowledging the hard work required.
“Today, we celebrate individuals who have chosen to lend their voices, talents, and hearts to the advancement of our university community,” she said. “Together, we are building a stronger future—rooted in legacy, rising through unity, and leading with purpose.”
Tuskegee University President and CEO Dr. Mark A. Brown closed the ceremony with a heartfelt welcome to the new members and appreciation for incoming and current senators.
Dr. Brown addressed recent national conversations about the role of staff senates in higher education, particularly concerns about friction between senates and executive or board leadership.
However, he made clear that Tuskegee’s experience stands apart.
“None of that is reflected here at Tuskegee,” Dr. Brown said. “You continue building collegiality, ensuring that in the truest definition of a senate, there is a deliberative process where decisions belong to all of us.”
He attributed this strong and productive relationship to a shared sense of purpose among staff members.
“Because whatever your individual perspectives are, in your heart of hearts you love Mother Tuskegee,” he said. “Like me, you feel deeply that what so many who came before have left to us — now, it’s our watch to make sure that long after we are gone, this beautiful thing remains.”
© 2026 Tuskegee University
