Staff Senator Nominees

Miranda Elam

Hi everyone! My name is Miranda Elam, and I work on the Abilene Campus in Finance and Administration. I have lived in Abilene my entire life, have been married for 25 years, and have one grown son. I have been with TTUHSC for almost 5 years now. I am currently a Junior at Texas Tech online, pursuing my degree in Human Resource Development and utilizing our employee tuition assistance program to attend classes. I am the person who greets you when you walk into our visitor entrance. I am a people person and enjoy helping the people who walk through the doors. It doesn't matter if it's a student who needs to find the Raider Lounge, helping my co-workers, or helping someone who is lost and needs directions to another location. Couponing is a passion, and I use my talent to buy items for my household and the student pantry. I like walking trails, hanging out with our 2 dogs and going to the gym. I am so grateful to have been nominated. I am a great listener and would love to collaborate with other senators to bring any concerns or ideas to the forefront. 

Desmon M Dunn

It is important that staff have a voice and representation at all levels, and that we have an active role in the HSC community. It's not just about governance, but community and problem-solving together. I believe I have the ability and skill set to facilitate that in the staff senate, having previously served as a staff senator and VP. I want all campuses and departments to have the opportunity to be engaged and active in how we achieve our mission now and in the future.

Tiffany Ostrom

I have been on Staff Senate for the last 2 years. I have enjoyed being a part of something that can make a difference for employees of Texas Tech. I work in the surgery department on the Amarillo Campus for the last 4 years. I have been married to my husband for 17 years and we have 3 children. I enjoy reading and gardening.

Cris Sheffield 

My name is Cris Sheffield.  I have been an employee with TTUHSC Internal Medicine since 2006, as the Medical Administrative Secretary for the Chair of Internal Medicine. I have witnessed many changes on our TTUHSC Amarillo Campus, including the addition of the ARB, Family Medicine, the PAC, and the new maintenance shop currently under construction.

The best part of being at TTUHSC is the friendly staff and faculty I encounter daily and the lasting friendships I have made through the years. I take pride in our work on this campus serving the City of Amarillo and surrounding communities. 

I was honored to serve as a Staff Senator, 2024-2026, and I look forward to serving again and being a voice for the Amarillo Campus again.

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband, daughters and my fur babies, working on the family farm, and doing epic trail runs with my sisters.

Lawrence Michael Callac

I'm a relative newcomer to TTUHSC, starting in October of 2024. I came as part of the Kenneth H. Cooper Institute, where I had been working for 15 years prior to our transition to TTUHSC. My primary role at KHCI is managing the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study database, ensuring new data from our partner Cooper Clinic is incorporated, and supporting our researchers with their needs from the database.  

Outside of work, I'm an avid traveler.  Every couple of months I'm usually headed somewhere, either to southern Louisiana to visit family, or elsewhere domestically or internationally. My favorite place to travel to is Madrid, Spain. I spent a summer there during college and fell in love with both the city and the country.

Academically, I have a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and undergraduate degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Administration. 

As part of a new department filled with newcomers to HSC, I have not felt fully integrated with the University.  I've accepted the nomination to the Staff Senate to hopefully better familiarize and integrate our department with the ongoings of both the Dallas campus and the University as a whole.

Barbara Ruth Dillman

I would like to be a staff senator on the Dallas campus because I care about creating a positive and supportive work environment. I am passionate about creating relationships and want to know the people I work with well. I want people to feel valued and heard, and I enjoy solving problems to help build stronger relationships.

Cynthia M. Hart

My name is Cynthia Hart; I work with the Office of Experiential Programs as Assistant Director for the Dallas Campus. I have over 10 years of experience with the state of Texas. I joined the TTUHSC Dallas campus last year. 

I would like to work with the staff senate because I value the idea of bridging employees and leadership, helping ensure that everyone is heard and valued. I enjoy working in an environment where there is collaboration, communication and having the ability to create meaningful change. I believe that is what the staff senate does in strengthening the workplace culture and employee engagement. 

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and an MBA with a Human Resources focus. I bring a strong combination of administrative leadership, contract management, people skills and service-oriented experience from my previous roles.  Outside of the job, I enjoy crafting, hanging out with family and putting puzzles together. 

Reagan New

My name is Reagan New, and I have worked for the school of nursing for a little over 7 years. I started out as a student assistant answering calls and coordinating student events. I have worked on the admissions side and now am working current enrollment for the Undergraduate online programs. 

My time at the HSC has been spent helping students and following the values set forth. I love getting to work with other departments and schools and really cultivating a one team attitude to support our faculty and students. I love that as an institution we go above and beyond for our university and all those involved. I hope with time on the Staff Senate I can use these values to better support and recognize our Staff. 

Samantha Danielle Chumley

My name is Samantha Chumley, and I am the grant analyst for the Cell Biology and Biochemistry department on the Lubbock campus. I grew up in Idalou and Lubbock and graduated from Texas Tech University in 2019. Being the department’s grants person, I get to interact with our research faculty and help get documents together for submission, while also getting to see the awesome research that our faculty is doing. 

While I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, reading, crafting, and spending time with my family. I also volunteer for the South Plains CASA which is something I enjoy, and think is important to contribute to our community. 

It would be an honor and pleasure to serve on the Staff Senate and represent the staff at TTUHSC as a way to continue my involvement in our institution and connect with others from other campuses. 

Jagadeesh Chitturi

I am a Senior Analyst in the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) at TTUHSC Lubbock, serving as the technical data partner for our team of Grant Managers. With a master’s degree in data science, I focus on building dashboards and automating reporting workflows that empower our department to work more effectively. When I’m not developing data pipelines, I enjoy biking to our Lubbock office and keeping my desk plants thriving.

I would like to be a Staff Senator because I am passionate about finding practical solutions that connect and support our community. In my daily role, I constantly analyze complex systems to map out clear, efficient paths forward, a problem-solving mindset I want to bring to the Senate. Because I work closely with staff across various administrative and technical specialties, I have a solid understanding of the diverse challenges we face, and I am eager to listen and learn even more from our broader campus community. As a Senator, I will apply my analytical skills and collaborative approach to advocate for meaningful workplace improvements, help streamline university processes, and ensure that all staff voices are accurately represented and valued.

Alanna Cornell

Hello! It's a pleasure to speak with you! I’m Alanna, a 38-year-old mom of two, who just started my final year of school where I am working towards my bachelor’s in general psychology. I currently am the Internal Medicine Resident Program Coordinator, and I truly love the work that I do. I would love the opportunity to be a part of the staff senate to be a voice of change for my fellow co-workers. I have many ideas that I feel could benefit the campus, and the overall well-being of the Texas Tech Employees. I want the opportunity to speak up for those who feel their voices don’t count and let them know that they also have the right to be heard. I am highly motivated and a great team player.

Jason Glikas

I would like to serve as a Staff Senator because I believe staff play a vital role in advancing the mission, culture, and daily success of the institution. Staff members support students, faculty, researchers, patients, and communities in ways that are often behind the scenes but essential to the university’s impact. Serving as a Staff Senator would allow me to help ensure that staff voices are heard, respected, and represented in meaningful conversations across TTUHSC.

I am committed to collaboration, communication, and service. I would value the opportunity to listen to colleagues, understand their concerns, and help bring forward ideas that strengthen the workplace experience for all staff. TTUHSC is a mission-driven institution, and I believe staff engagement is central to maintaining excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service.

As a Staff Senator, I would strive to be approachable, thoughtful, and responsive. I would work to support initiatives that promote transparency, professional development, recognition, and a positive work environment. Most importantly, I would see this role as an opportunity to serve others, build connections across departments, and contribute to the continued success of TTUHSC and the people who make its work possible.

Rakell Henderson

Based on my professional experience at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and in other public service roles, I would like to serve as a TTUHSC Staff Senator because I am passionate about supporting employees, strengthening communication, and helping create a positive workplace environment. Throughout my career, I have worked closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners while managing complex administrative processes, coordinating programs, and supporting organizational goals.

My experience in healthcare, education, and government has taught me the importance of teamwork, professionalism, confidentiality, and advocacy. In my current role within Internal Medicine, I collaborate across departments to support onboarding, recruitment, credentialing, and daily operations, giving me valuable insight into staff needs and institutional processes.

I would bring strong organizational skills, leadership experience, and a commitment to representing staff voices fairly and professionally. Serving as a Staff Senator would allow me to contribute to meaningful improvements, support employee engagement, and continue giving back to the TTUHSC community.<b

Diahann Rose James

I am a dedicated and service-oriented professional who believes in leading through collaboration, accountability, and genuine engagement with others. In every role I have held, I have committed myself fully to supporting my team, improving processes, and creating a positive environment where people feel heard and valued. I believe meaningful change happens when individuals are willing to step forward, listen carefully, and work together toward common goals.

Serving as a Staff Senator would allow me to make a positive difference within the institution and strengthen communication, engagement, and support for staff across all areas. With my passion for advocating for others, encouraging participation, and helping build a culture where every voice matters. My enthusiasm and commitment naturally encourage others to get involved, and I take pride in being approachable, dependable, and solutions-focused. Finally, serving would be honored as a genuine representative for staff and contribute to initiatives that promote growth, collaboration, and employee engagement

Vanessa Irene Martinez 

Hello everyone, my name is Vanessa Martinez, and I currently serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Department of Neurology and Division of PM&R at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Alongside my professional role, I am also pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies, with a focus on Human Resource Development, Organizational Leadership, and Integrative Studies.

I would like to serve as a Staff Senator because I genuinely care about creating a positive, supportive, and collaborative environment for staff across our institution. Working in healthcare and higher education has shown me how important communication, advocacy, and teamwork are in helping both employees and departments succeed. I value being approachable, dependable, and solution-oriented, and I would be honored to represent the voices, concerns, and ideas of fellow staff members.

I also believe serving as a Staff Senator would allow me to continue growing as a leader while giving back to an institution that has helped shape both my professional and personal journey. I am passionate about encouraging connection, supporting staff development, and helping contribute to meaningful positive change within our campus community.

Jaime Sue Milbern

My name is Jaime Milbern, and I have proudly been part of the TTU and TTUHSC community for several years as both a student and employee. As a former student of Texas Tech University and TTUHSC, as well as a former Senator for the TTUHSC Student Government Association, I have developed a strong appreciation for the values, mission, and culture of the TTU System. Those experiences inspired me to continue becoming more involved and serving the institution that has helped shape both my personal and professional growth.

Throughout my time at TTUHSC, I have enjoyed seeing the support, guidance, and collaboration that staff members provide to one another every day. As a young leader stepping into higher leadership roles, I strive to lead by example and create an environment where employees feel safe, supported, valued, and heard. I am committed to upholding the TTUHSC values in my daily work and would be honored to serve as a Staff Senator to further support our staff, strengthen unity, and contribute to the continued success of the HSC community.

Pedro Ordonez

My name is Pedro Ordonez, and I've worked at TTUHSC for almost four years now, I love my peers and would love to continue making a positive impact any way possible.

Giovanni Angelique Ramirez 

My name is Giovanni Ramirez, and I am the Research Administrator in the School of Health Professions on the Lubbock campus. I was born and raised in Lubbock and am a TTU alumnus. Most of my career was spent working at a non-profit serving deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired communities. I wore many leadership hats during my time there and concluded as the Director of Talent and Culture (HR). After the enduring labor of managing multiple mass layoffs, a change was needed.

As a Research Administrator, I can combine my Human Resource skills with creativity and grantsmanship to support research. I lead with an inclusive and open mindset. I thrive on continued learning, community, relationship-building, and contributing to others’ success. In my three years at TTUHSC, I’ve earned two badges – Spanish for the Health and Sciences I and Foundations of Health and Wellness. I’ve helped coordinate two Endowed Lecture Series, many Research Team Development lunch-and-learns, and have completed the Manager Quickstart Program.

As a member of the Staff Senate, I hope to continue learning about the institution, contribute feedback, and build relationships. Most importantly, I look forward to cross-collaborating between campuses and their innovative programs.

Derrick Scott Ramsey

My name is Derrick Ramsey, and I serve as Senior Director at TTUHSC on the Lubbock campus. Through my work in Telemedicine, Rural Health, Academic Affairs, and Microcredentials, I have had the privilege of collaborating across nearly all departments, schools, and institutes. This experience has given me a valuable perspective on the strengths and needs of staff throughout our university.

I have seen how dedicated team members drive student success, research, and patient care every day. Serving as a Staff Senator would allow me to amplify the voices of my Lubbock colleagues, advocate for improvements in communication, professional development, and supportive policies, and help foster a values-based culture where every staff member feels heard and empowered.

My cross-functional background equips me to build connections, listen actively, and contribute meaningfully to initiatives that benefit staff across TTUHSC.

I would be honored to represent my colleagues and work alongside fellow senators to help make our university an even better place to work and serve.

Lori C Sims

My name is Lori Sims, and I serve as the Veteran and Military Services Specialist at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. In my role, I work with student veterans, military-connected students, faculty, staff, and community partners to help create a welcoming and supportive environment across campus.

I would like to serve as a Staff Senator because I truly enjoy helping people and being part of positive change within TTUHSC. I believe staff members should feel heard, valued, and included, and I would love the opportunity to help represent those voices. Through my position, I have had the chance to connect with many different departments and people across all campuses, which has helped me better understand the needs and challenges staff can face.

If selected, I would bring a team-focused mindset, strong communication, and a willingness to listen and work alongside others. I care about building connections, supporting staff, and helping create a workplace where people feel appreciated and supported. It would be an honor to serve and give back to the TTUHSC community in this way.

Elisa E. Clemental

My name is Elisa Cemental. I was born and raised here in Odessa and have lived here most of my life. Before working here at TTUHSC, I worked for the local newspaper for over 20 years. I started at TTUHSC in 2022 as a Financial Screener in OBGYN. I worked as a screener for a year before moving to the Research Department as an Administrative Assistant. I have been in this position for 3 years. In my downtime I enjoy spending time with family, crafting and sometimes baking. For those who know me well, I am the type of person that likes to get involved.  I believe strongly in being part of a team and getting involved in Staff Senate will be a great experience and a great way to learn more about our campus and everyone at TTUHSC.

Tonya Cox

Hello, my name is Tonya Cox. I have been at the Permian Basin Campus for 11 years. I was a bookkeeper for 20 years before that. I care about our campus and the people that work here. I like to bake, crochet, read and I do a little writing. I used to garden, but I cannot be out in the sun & heat anymore. Bummer. I'm good at organizing and helping other people brainstorm. I'd like to be a part of helping other people get where they are going. 

Jolinda Molina

My Name is Jolinda Molina I was born in a small west Texas town and raised here in Odessa. I'm currently employed in the library and have been with TTUHSC going on 19 years. I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family. Serving on the Staff Senate would allow me to collaborate with other departments across campuses, help strengthen communication between staff and leadership. I'm committed to listening, engaging thoughtfully, and working toward solutions that promote a positive, inclusive, and productive environment. I view this opportunity as a meaningful way to give back to the institution, support my fellow staff members and contribute to initiatives that benefit our entire campus. 

Michael Gregorio Rayel

I want to serve as a Staff Senator at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock because I believe our staff are the steady heartbeat of this institution, and their voices deserve strong, thoughtful representation. TTUHSC has shaped my professional life in meaningful ways, and stepping into this role is my way of giving back — by listening deeply, advocating responsibly, and helping build a workplace where every staff member feels valued and supported. I am committed to fostering collaboration, encouraging transparent communication, and promoting professional growth across departments. As a Staff Senator, I hope to bridge perspectives, elevate concerns with fairness and respect, and contribute to solutions that strengthen our culture and daily work experience. TTUHSC thrives when we lead together, and I am ready to serve with integrity, gratitude, and a genuine desire to help our community move forward.

Tabatha Shey Welch

I would like to bring the goals, values, core competencies of TTUHSC out to the prison. I would like to be a voice to the people out here and have our concerns voiced. I would like to help with policy changes and relay them to the employees out here who feel like we might be left out of the loop at times. I would like to shine a brighter light on correctional nursing and show exactly what we do. We provide a voice to those who don't have one and care for people that most would not. Correctional nurses have the true moral values of what a nurse should have at all times, whether you have a difficult patient or not, your job is to care and bring the best care possible to that patient.

Oluwagbemisola Elizabeth Adenji

My name is Elizabeth. I live here in Lubbock with my wonderful husband and two amazing girls. In the last five years, nothing beats living in a city where urban experience and quiet ambience meets. Also, coming to work each day refuels my sense of belonging and purpose. As a Medical Laboratory Technician and an early career researcher, my goal for being a part of this team is to continually drive and support innovations and policies that foster a sense of belonging among newly recruited employees and researchers at TTUHSC.

Nusrat Jahan

Hello, my name is Nusrat Jahan. I am a Chief Analyst working for the HR Systems and Strategic Operations Department. I have been with TTUHSC since 2022. I support and maintain different aspects of TTUHSC Employment database, tools and applications. To run daily business processes and to improve and enhance our systems we work with different departments and HR campuses. Working at TTUHSC, I get the opportunity to interact with many of my fellow colleagues and staff members across the institution. I love learning from my interactions and help wherever I can.

It will be an honor to serve in the staff senate and be a voice for my fellow colleagues. As a staff senate I would like to introduce new initiatives for the well-being of TTUHSC staff community and advocate the staff community’s visions and ideas to the administration with the goal of successful implementation.

Carisa Noah

My name is Carisa Noah.  I have been with the HSC for almost 15 years and would love the opportunity to work with the staff senate, connect with others and advocate for those that I serve.  I am a nurse leader, wife and mother of 2.  While I feel like I know a lot about my department specifically, I do not know much about other departments, other campuses and have room to grow in this area, among others.  If given the opportunity, I pledge to listen, learn and represent to the best of my ability.  Thank you for the consideration.