Senator Nominees for FY26

Jack Determan

I would like to be a staff senator to help bring a voice from my department. Help to aid in making our campus better.

Rebecca Perry

I was born and raised in Amarillo. I have two sons. Two grandson and one granddaughter. And house full of yorkies (3). Yes, three of them. But they are my babies. I enjoy working outdoors, I have a garden that takes up a lot of my summer hours. I would consider outdoors activities and events and of course Angel Fire trips as my happy times.

I have been with TTUHSC School of Pharmacy for 26 years. I have worked tirelessly for the SOP and will do so if chosen for the TTUHSC Staff Senate. My goal would be to continue to promote transparency, accountability, and collaboration for all the institution. Mostly importantly I would be an advocate for all staff to support their personal and professional growth.

I am about to complete my first term on the staff senate and it has been an honor to represent each of you. I want to thank you for the opportunity to be your spokesperson and I would appreciate your continued support for another term.

Agata G Thompson

My name is Agata Thompson, and I serve as the Clerkship Coordinator for the Pediatric Department. I’m a dedicated staff member who values collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. With 20 years of experience in the field of education as of this past February, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the university’s structure and the challenges we face. I’m passionate about my work and committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and innovation. Serving as a Staff Senator would allow me to support professional development and promote open, honest communication between staff and leadership. I see this role as a meaningful opportunity to contribute beyond my daily responsibilities and to represent my colleagues with integrity and care.

Outside of work, I’ve been married to my husband James for 33 years, and we have a wonderful son, Alex. As a family, we enjoy traveling, cooking, and all kinds of crafts. Fun fact: We live on two acres and share our space with 56 chickens!

Deborah Trammell

I have worked in the Surgery Department for 6 years. I have had the privilege to work with some amazing faculty, students and staff. I'm still amazed at all the great things that happen on this campus. I believe in being open and authentic. It would be a privilege to serve on Staff Senate and let me represent any new ideas you may have on continuing to make this the best place in Amarillo to be employed. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family, quilting and gardening.

Stan Blackmon

As a member of the TTUHSC School of Pharmacy, I would like to support the mission of improving the health of our communities through education, research, and patient care. Working alongside talented colleagues has given me a deep appreciation for the vital role staff play in our shared success. I would like to help to help ensure that staff voices are heard and valued in decision-making processes. I’m committed to fostering open communication, promoting professional development opportunities, and contributing to a positive and inclusive work environment. It would be an honor to advocate for our staff and help strengthen our campus community.

Trina Brown

I completed my undergraduate degree at Texas Tech University. While there, I was a member of the Lady Raider Basketball team (Southwest Conference Champs; Sweet 16) and served in several community and public service organizations.

Professionally, I have had the opportunity to learn and work in various settings that transfer across occupations. With a Masters of Art in Human Services (Capella University), a Texas Real Estate license, and professional certifications in Counseling, Life Coaching and Academic Coaching; I bring years of experience in training, developing teams, implementing policy and procedures, leadership, data mining/disaggregation, contract negotiations, counseling and grant management.

When I am not working, you might find me lost in a good book, spending time with family/friends, traveling or crafting/creating (designing/producing notebooks, journals, planners and self-help tools).

My educational background and career have ignited my passion for service and servant leadership. I am honored to be nominated for the Staff Senate. Their vision of fostering a strong values-based culture through organizational unity and collaboration to promote growth for TTUHSC, is something that I believe in. It is my hope that my engagement and advocacy will result in positive gains for TTUHSC, the Staff and the community that we serve.

Alana Caesar

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, I transitioned to civilian life after my service in the United States Navy by completing the Pharmacy Technician Program at Remington College. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to build a well-rounded career in pharmacy, gaining experience across various settings, including community, in-patient, long-term care (LTC), pharmacy benefit management (PBM), and nuclear pharmacy.

In my current role at Texas Tech, I am proud to support our faculty and staff by upholding and embodying our values-based culture. I believe that a strong foundation of integrity, service, and respect guides us in making meaningful contributions to those we serve.

Outside of work, I enjoy getting lost in a good book—whether it’s in print or on my e-reader—and cherishing time spent with loved ones.

With this nomination, I hope to further extend my support to our community, drawing on the core values that define Texas Tech to lead with purpose and compassion.

Sandy Le

I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems and a Master’s in Data Analytics. Throughout my career, I’ve applied my skills to improve processes and support colleagues—whether through training, offering assistance, or working together to solve problems. I’m interested in serving as a Staff Senator because I care about the people I work with. I believe that when staff feel supported and included, we all do better—both individually and as a team. I want to be someone others feel comfortable coming to with ideas, concerns, or questions, and I’d take pride in helping represent those voices in a meaningful way. I’m focused on making thoughtful, collaborative contributions that help strengthen our workplace for everyone.

Stephanie Armstrong

Hello! My name is Stephanie Armstrong, and I have been with TTUHSC since December 2019. I serve as the Business Manager for the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program in the Laboratory Sciences and Primary Care department, and provide support to the Chair. I am committed to simplifying processes to ensure clarity for all by creating pathways that are efficient and straightforward. I aim to empower those around me to engage fully and confidently. As a staff senator, I will foster relationships through open communication and transparency. I am eager to embrace opportunities for collaboration, growth, and meaningful contributions that align with the TTUHSC values and mission.

Tara Camp

I'm Tara Camp and I've been with TTUHSC for almost 2 years. I'm passionate about all voices being heard and working together to achieve new heights. I have experience in community relations in the medical field, marketing in higher education and nonprofit work. I am innovative and find fulfillment improving processes with modernization and awareness. It would be my duty to ensure information and opportunities are promoted and made available to the TTUHSC community.

Matthew Cox

Happily married to my wife for 25 years, we raised 3 children who are now all adults, and now beginning the next chapter of our life as empty nesters. I was a paramedic for many years and now serving as a PA for the last 10 years. Fortunately I have been a part of Tech for the past 5 years in the Department of Surgery. I completed my doctorate in medical sciences from the University of Lynchburg. I've spent the last 28 years in medicine, serving my communities in many different capacities. I have recently been elevated in my department as Lead APP. Getting to educate the next generation and creating learning opportunities is a huge goal of mine as I get the opportunity to help educate residents, PA/NP students, and hospital staff members. I'm extremely grateful and honored to have the opportunity to serve my coworkers as a Staff Senator.

Jayme Darnell

As someone who has worked for TTUHSC for a number of years, I’m excited about the opportunity to give back to our incredible Lubbock campus. In my current role as Associate Registrar, I’ve had the privilege of working with a passionate and driven team. Serving on the Staff Senate would give me the opportunity to represent the voices of my fellow staff members and contribute to enhancing the TTUHSC experience. I’m committed to upholding the values of our culture and finding meaningful ways to support our institution’s continued growth. I believe the teamwork and leadership skills I’ve developed in my current role will allow me to collaborate effectively with other Staff Senators. If elected, I’m ready to put those skills to work to help achieve our shared goals and make a positive impact across our campus community.

Jashlynn Garcia

I am honored to be considered for nomination to the Staff Senate. As part of our Registrar's team, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals, embracing the values of One Team, Kindheartedness, Integrity, Visionary thinking, and Beyond Service.

I am committed to fostering collaboration through open communication and mutual respect, creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and team spirit thrives. I believe celebrating the unique experiences of my colleagues strengthens our community and promotes unity.

Integrity is a core principle I uphold daily. I strive to act with honesty and transparency, ensuring my decisions align with ethical standards and build trust among my peers. This commitment serves as the foundation for my work and interactions.

I am also passionate about visionary thinking and continuous improvement. I encourage innovative ideas, approach challenges with resilience, and support a spirit of curiosity. My dedication to going Beyond Service is reflected in anticipating needs and responding with empathy and support.

If elected to the Staff Senate, I will bring unity, integrity, innovation, and service to our team, championing the values that drive our mission forward.

Vashati Gonzales

My name is Vashati Gonzales, and I serve as the Director of Student Affairs. I’m currently the Staff Senate President and a member of the One Team Fellows program, committed to ongoing leadership development and collaboration across our institution. As a mother of three, I value balance, empathy, and integrity in all aspects of life and work. I care deeply about equality, accountability, and honesty—and believe these values should be reflected in the decisions that shape our workplace. I bring strong listening skills, a proactive attitude, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. I would like to continue serving as a Staff Senator to help ensure all staff feel represented, respected, and heard. I’m passionate about fostering a supportive, transparent environment where staff voices drive positive change, and where we can all thrive together.

John Griffin

My Name is John Griffin and I am the Assistant Registrar for the TTUHSC located in Lubbock. I have been with the HSC since 2018, and I have enjoyed getting to grow and develop in my time here. The Office of the Registrar is an integral part of the student experience from a student’s being admitted, through helping with registration in their time here at the HSC, graduation, diplomas, verifying records after they have left, and providing transcripts. I have been nominated by a fellow employee and I am glad to have the opportunity to now serve and help my fellow staff members here at the HSC. I look forward to helping the HSC grow and become an even better place to work.

Nadia Jimenez

My name is Nadia Jimenez. I have worked at TTUHSC for the last 10 years and am currently a Clinical Research Coordinator at TTUHSC Lubbock. My job allows me to collaborate with many departments across our campus to improve healthcare outcomes for our patients. I enjoy interacting with patients, learning their stories and their needs, and also enjoy meeting with providers to better address these needs through medical research.

If selected as a member of the staff senate, I hope to advocate for the needs of staff members, working to enhance the university’s workplace culture and ensure staff voices are heard in institutional decision-making. I hope to focus on collaboration and service to help bridge gaps across the institution, ensuring that TTUHSC is a supportive environment for all employees. I look forward to being able to serve all members of our TTUHSC community and appreciate your consideration.

Zachary Keller

Hello, my name is Zachary Keller and I am the Assistant Director of HR Recruitment at Lubbock Campus. I am grateful to have worked in Human Resources here for nearly 3 years and in my Assistant Director Role for almost two. During this time, I have participated in many hiring interactions with departmental hiring managers, supervisors, and faculty alike.

I graduated with my bachelor's from Texas Tech University in early 2020, beginning my career in staffing, before eventually making my way here to TTUHSC. I enjoy spending time with my wife, finding new activities around town, and playing video games with friends during my downtime at home.

My position here at TTUHSC heavily involves working with managers and executive leaders on hiring policy application and procedure. In my role, I often am a resource to many across the campus when they have questions or require clarification on recent HR initiatives. It'd be an honor to serve in the Staff Senate and otherwise be a resource to those in the institution needing clarification on the constantly shifting landscape that is Human Resources.

Kassie Pelham

I have been at TTUHSC for nearly 7 years and feel very passionately about making it a great place to work, as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the institution and wish for others to have the same experience. I would love to help make positive and meaningful change and bring needed programs, activities, or assistance to my fellow employees.

Sarah Reyes

My name is Sarah Reyes and I work as a PSS for General Surgery. Some fun things about myself outside of work is I love to spend time with my family and friends. I am an identical twin married to an identical twin. I have a 4yr old son and another on the way. I believe I would make a great staff senator because I love to help others and provide help where it is needed. I feel like I can advocate for my team and department in a great and respectable manner. It’s important to me to be a positive advocate and help create a positive change or atmosphere wherever I am. I hope to be considered and appreciate the opportunity.

Lourdes Rodriguez

My name is Lourdes Rodriguez, and I am honored to be nominated for Staff Senate. I have been with the Department of Surgery for the past four years, where I began as a Senior Patient Services Specialist in the clinic. Since then, I've served as Program Coordinator supporting multiple faculty and clerkship students, and currently work as the Administrative Assistant to the Department Chair. I recently returned to Texas Tech and proudly earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Health Professions. I plan to continue my education here at TTUHSC and am deeply committed to both personal growth and contributing meaningfully to our institution. I believe serving in Staff Senate will allow me to represent and advocate for my fellow staff members, bring forward ideas for improvement, and support initiatives that enhance our work environment. I'm excited about the opportunity to be a voice for staff and help foster a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking community.

Patrick Urrutia

My name is Patrick Urrutia. I’ve been working for TTU HSC since 2019. I work in Plant Ops plumbing department. I have 6 kids. One that just graduated high school. All my kids are involved in baseball and softball, and I enjoy coaching them and watching them play. I enjoy being a plumber, and I give all praise and glory to the Lord for giving me the ability to do what I love.

Brittany Valenciano

My name is Brittany Valenciano, and I currently serve as an Immigration Specialist in the Institutional Compliance Office at TTUHSC. I’ve had the privilege of being part of this institution for the past three years, working alongside a dedicated team that supports our mission and values.

I recently earned my Master of Public Administration from Texas Tech University and plan to further my education by pursuing a law degree. I am passionate about supporting the recruitment and development of global talent, and my role has allowed me to engage with institutional policies and learn from a variety of cultural perspectives, an experience I deeply value.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, who is also part of the Texas Tech University System as an analyst. We share our home with two dogs and a cat, and we love traveling to National Parks. So far, we’ve explored 12 and look forward to visiting many more.

I am honored to contribute to TTUHSC and remain committed to supporting the institution’s growth and global engagement.

Krysteena Vega

Working in Financial Aid at TTUHSC has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Every day, I am surrounded by a dedicated team whose support, collaboration, and commitment inspire me to grow both personally and professionally. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to learn in an environment that values service, integrity, and the success of every individual we support.

Being part of this team has deepened my understanding of how financial aid impacts lives, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission. I will continue striving to do better, expanding my knowledge and refining my skills so I can give back in meaningful ways. My goal is to use what I learn not only to enhance our work but also to help shape and uplift the TTUHSC culture and our fellow employees. It’s a privilege to be part of this journey.

Liesl Wyett

My name is Liesl Wyett, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve as a Staff Senator and bring my expertise and “dad-joke”-loving sense of humor to the Staff Senate. As a Lubbock transplant by way of Oklahoma, I moved to Lubbock in 2011 in pursuit of earning my degrees through Texas Tech University (TTU). In 2015, I accepted a position with the Health Sciences Center (HSC) in the Department of Public Health, and began my employment as Project Director and Research Associate for a cancer prevention grant. Today, I am the Director of Policy, Accreditation, Credentialing, and Research in the newly-erected sixth school of the TTUHSC, the Julia Jones Matthews School of Population and Public Health.

As a public administrator at heart and by trade, I am driven by a desire to be strategic, purposeful, ethical, connected, and representative. Through my experiences in service to an IRB, non-profit boards, and volunteering my time to organizations locally and nationally, I have learned that governance is an integral part of building and maintaining spaces for people and missions to thrive. I welcome the responsibilities and challenges associated with representation, and look forward to the future of our TTUHSC.

Rebecca Torres

I have worked in the TTUHSC Psychiatry Department in Midland for the past seven years, starting as a PSS, then Senior PSS, and currently serve as the Resident/Fellow Coordinator. During this time, I’ve grown both professionally and personally—while working full-time, I completed my degree and earned a BA in Political Science from UTPB. I am honored to have been nominated for Staff Senate. Having lived in Midland most of my life, I feel deeply connected to our community and am committed to supporting the staff who help our institution thrive. I would be proud to serve as a Staff Senator to advocate for staff needs, strengthen communication, and promote a positive, inclusive work environment. I’m passionate about continuing to grow with TTUHSC and giving back through service and leadership. In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching historical documentaries, shopping, binge-watching my favorite shows, and catching up with friends.

Armando Hernandez

I already served a term so I was asked to do another term to help build what we have started and hopefully make it grow as it once was before covid hit. I hope to do more and leave it in great hands after this last run as staff senator.

Javin P Contreras

Hi! I am Javin Contreras, and I am a clerkship coordinator who is also currently enrolled in graduate school. I am earning my MBA with a healthcare minor. I attended TTU in LBK, TX for undergraduate, and participated in the drumline/ band over there. Hobbies include swimming, running, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I would like to be a staff senator to become more involved in the campus and participate in outreach events.

Stephanie Garcia

Hi, I completed my nursing degree at TTUHSC in Abilene in 2014. Initially, I worked at Abilene Regional Medical Center for about two years on the PCU floor. In 2015, I was offered a unique opportunity to serve and advocate for a specific population while working part-time at ARMC. I became a psych nurse at the Robertson unit, working for TTUHSC Managed Care department. Over the next five years, I helped inmates with their mental health needs. Currently, I'm the Eastern Regional Utilization Management RN, continuing to advocate for inmates' healthcare needs. Outside of work, I focus on family - my three boys, aged 21, 15, and 8, are all involved in sports. My weekends are always busy with tournaments and meets. I have enjoyed being part of the TTUHSC community for the past 10 years. I would be honored to be a part of a team that is actively working to make a difference on campus and the surrounding community.

Crystal Tice

My name is Crystal Tice and I am the Business Manager for the Dental Services department of Managed Care. I have been with TTUHSC since December 2022. Prior to my time here, I worked for the Texas A&M Forest Service as a Business Associate in the Incident Response department from 2017-2022. During my time at TAMFS, I served on their Employee Advisory Council providing employees a process for raising, discussing and making recommendations to leadership on current policies and procedures. I thoroughly enjoyed my time serving on that council and am grateful for the opportunity to do the same with TTUHSC as a Staff Senator. I believe in the Beyond Service value and receive great joy providing support to the folks in our units and ensuring they are taken care of. Serving as a Staff Senator for Managed Care would further allow me to support our staff working every day to provide care to the patient population in TDCJ.

Jessica Lynn Wilson

My name is Jessica Wilson, and I have been blessed to be a part of the TTUHSC-Managed Care team for almost 8 years. I am always looking for ways to be more involved and contribute to the organization as a whole. Taking opportunities to be a voice for my team members and developing ideas to help meet their needs. Being a part of Staff Senate is an honor and a privilege that I am delighted to be nominated for.

Veronica Adcock

Hello All! It has been a great honor and a privilege to have been nominated for staff senate. I have always enjoyed and have a passion for helping others, from my experience being in the medical and counseling field. I love interacting with the patients and my co-workers, and I find it being an important role for quality customer service. I find that using my education and work experience in collaborating with other staff in assisting to help thrive TTUHSC, I can contribute my ideas that can lead to positive changes for our community and staff, and it can impact our patient’s well-being in making improvements for them, and it can build stronger relationships for our community.

Born and raised here in Lubbock, a graduate from TTUHSC Master of Addiction Counseling in 2021, and a current MSHA student starting this summer, I am grateful to give back to my community and institution for being a part of this wonderful organization in being a part of the Staff Senate.

I started here at HSC in December 2024, as a Senior Patient Services specialist at the Medical Pavilion, and transitioned to Assistant Supervisor in December 2025. I have always been in a helping career as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a memory care unit, and a Chemical Dependency counselor. I am a compassionate and empathetic professional who understands the feelings of others, and have a unconditional positive regard for others.

It will be a great honor in working with other members of this wonderful organization, and as a member of the staff senate in developing and brainstorming positive changes and goals, and giving me positive growth within myself and career at HSC. Thank You!

Malcolm Brownell, Jr.

Hello, my name is Malcolm Brownell, and I am a Research Associate and Postdoctoral Scholar in the Reddy Lab within the Department of Internal Medicine at TTUHSC Lubbock. My research focuses on human subjects involved in studies related to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Two years ago, I joined the lab after serving at the Garrison Institute on Aging, where I contributed to advancing research and initiatives in the field.

Before my academic transition, I spent 20 years managing print media, a period during which I honed leadership and strategic skills before deciding to return to school to pursue a Ph.D. Originally from Louisiana, I have proudly called Lubbock home for the past 15 years.

I am happily married to Lauren Brownell, the Marketing Director for the College of Education, and together we are raising our three children: Casey, Wyatt, and Gabby. I am eager to serve in the Staff Senate to help keep fellow employees and myself well-informed about campus developments at TTUHSC Lubbock and to actively contribute to positive change whenever called upon.

Megan Burkhalter

My name is Megan Burkhaulter and I have worked as the Lead Analyst for Student Business Services in Lubbock for the last 3 years. I enjoy my job and love being a TTUHSC employee. I am excited about the possibility of working with others to positively impact our organization, and I believe that open communication and a strong sense of community can help ensure staff concerns and ideas are heard and addressed. I have 4 awesome kids (but only one still at home) and my husband, Randy, and I love to travel and experience new places. We love sports, particularly our Red Raiders! Thank you for considering me for staff senate. I look forward to the opportunity to meet many fellow employees and make a meaningful impact.

Maria Reyna Cardenas

I feel like I would be a good fit for Staff Senator because I have experience in many areas of not only nursing but entry level jobs as well. Not only have I held many positions as a nurse, but I have failed at many. And with that. I have gained the knowledge of the many ways that things can go wrong. But no matter how many times you fall. It is important to get up. Reevaluate and change to become a more efficient and effective leader. Knowledge is key but having a positive attitude and holding yourself to higher standards than you do others is everything. I started off as a CNA in 1996 and have worked my way up. I have filled many positions in nursing from floor nurse to assistant nurse manager. I understand and have held many roles in many settings and positions in-between and so I understand and know how difficult all job types can be. I have also developed an eye for helping others come up with a positive way to get from A to C when B is blocked. Over the last year. I feel like I have developed a stronger sense of problem-solving skills, and I am a strong advocate and believer in positive feedback equals positive change. I look at things from the outside looking in and then I find ways to help not only myself but most importantly my team. I also believe that you cannot expect from others the things that you are not willing to do yourself.

Audrey DeLeon

I am excited to be nominated for TTUHSC Staff Senate and thrilled about the opportunity to continue pursuing my passion of serving others! I am fortunate to have met many colleagues across all our schools and campuses and look forward to advocating for them and for all by being on the senate.

I currently serve as the Program Director for Research Collaboration in the Office of Research and Innovation. My role focuses on introducing and connecting faculty and staff to each other to strengthen research opportunities and capabilities. I enjoy getting to network and interact on an individual level to listen not only to research expertise and needs, but to also learn about individuals themselves.

I received my Master’s in Mass Communications from Texas Tech University and have enjoyed a variety of professional experiences before landing here at TTUHSC. I am thankful to have been given this opportunity and continue to enjoy it more and more every day. When I am not working, I love going to as many concerts as possible and taking walks. Thank you for considering me for this important role to serve our institution and each other through our values-based culture and one-team mission!

Tanya Easterwood

I am a Lubbock native. I have been with HSC for almost 3 years. I am always interested in making sure that every person on a team feels heard.

Nicole Hargrove

I joined the TTUHSC Accounting Services team in April 2023 and have enjoyed the opportunity to learn and grow in my role each day. Being based in the Southwest Medical Center Building on South Loop 289, I bring a unique perspective as a Staff Senator representing a location outside the main campus. I believe this insight will help ensure all TTUHSC employees — regardless of their building, department, or location — feel heard, appreciated, and supported.

In addition to my full-time position in Accounting Services, I am currently pursuing my MBA online with the goal of advancing my career at TTUHSC. I serve as an executive board member in the role of Treasurer for a nonprofit organization, where I enjoy contributing to event planning efforts that support our mission. Outside of work and school, I’m an avid reader and love spending time with my pup, Daisy.

I’m honored to serve on the Staff Senate and am committed to being a voice for my colleagues as we work together to create an even better workplace for all.

Christopher Mendez

Hello my name is Christopher Mendez. I'm from Sundown Texas and currently a Unit Manager at TTUHSC Family Medicine. I think that I would be a great candidate for Staff Senate because I’m responsible and a Red Raider for life. Another benefit of me being a member of the Staff Senate is that I have a good rapport with the staff and will be able to listen to the employee concerns and bring those to the attention of the staff. I would like employees to be heard as they voice their concerns, ideas, and praises of the TTUHSC. I have some great ideas to be implemented and Staff Senate has become very respected in my time at the University.

Ketha York

Hello all! I am the nurse manager here in the Family Medicine clinic. I began my journey back in 2022 at the HSC. My background is ER nursing for the last 15 years. In the 17 years of my nursing career, I have seen lots of change. I hope to serve on the Staff Senate and bring my ideas to the table to make TTUHSC the best place to work for all my colleagues!

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future," - John F. Kennedy