Staff Council kicks off third year on campus

David Beeching, chair; Jennifer Breland, chair-elect; Laura Gallitz, associate to the chair; and Sylvia Strothers, treasurerBeginning its third year, the UAB Staff Council elected the newest members of its executive committee: David Beeching, chair; Jennifer Breland, chair-elect; Laura Gallitz, associate chair; and Sylvia Strothers, treasurer. David Rhodes, chair during the 2016-2017 year, serves as past-chair.

Continuing the success

The staff council, which represents 22 organizational units, is dedicated to promoting an exchange of ideas among its members, the campus community and the UAB administration and

was formed to be a voice to those who comprise a majority of UAB’s employees by providing advice and recommendations to university administration and leaders.

In its first years, the staff council was integral in promoting the UAB Engagement Survey, and participating on search committees for key staff members. They participated in the inaugural First Year Convocation, a formal academic event welcoming new students to the UAB community and provided staff-centric input to the UAB Strategic Plan.

Rather than remaining entirely inwardly focused, it was important to the council to participate in service work that supported both UAB and the greater Birmingham community, said Chair David Beeching, who is a systems analyst in UAB Information Technology.

“We are dedicated to not only making UAB a more outstanding place to work, but making the community a better place to live, serve and learn,” Beeching said.

The council also hosted holiday gift drives for local agencies such as Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA), volunteered for UAB Benevolent Fund Habitat for Humanity builds and worked with UAB’s Blazer Kitchen, which supplies needed items to UAB students and employees experiencing food insecurity. They also have worked with OL&D on the launch of Lynda.com, the UAB Success Model and the improved Manager’s Toolkit.

“There’s no limit to how great UAB can be if we invest in employees and provide them every opportunity to find success and grow,” Beeching said.

The days ahead

The staff council will host its fourth annual Staff Convocation and Picnic on the Green Oct. 23; food will be served and President Ray Watts will speak. The council also plans to continue collaborating with UAB Organization Learning and Development to develop more professional development opportunities for staff and continue to promote a culture of pride about working at UAB through its Be Seen in Green initiative, which encourages employees to wear Blazer green every Friday to support UAB. 

“Wearing green isn’t just about showing your support for UAB Athletics, although that’s a very important reason to do it,” Beeching said. “It’s about showing your pride for working at UAB and for your other staff members. Go Blazers!”