Nominations have been made for the following positions:
Vice-President/President-Elect
Dr. Janiece Upshaw, Associate Professor/Program Coordinator, Public Leadership (LAS)
Bio: Janiece Upshaw, Program Coordinator/Associate Professor, Public Leadership & Administration, School of LAS BA/Social Work - Baylor University MS/Social Work Administration & Community Planning - UT Arlington PhD/Public Affairs - UT Dallas After a 30+ year career working in or with nonprofit organizations, I joined UNT Dallas in the fall of 2016. As an affiliate faculty of the Urban SERCH Institute, I have the pleasure of bridging the teaching I do at the University with the community so that we continue to help nonprofit organizations in Dallas build their capacity. I am very enthusiastic about the growth of the Public Leadership students as they advance toward graduation. This spring, I am supervising nine (9) MSPL students as they complete their Capstone project, bringing the total number of capstone students I've supervised to 128. It is as equally joyful as it is challenging! You can find me in hiding in my office, located in the LAS Dean's suite in FH 200C. When not on campus, I live in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas with my husband and 3 cats - one of whom is a rescue from UNTD! I am also Nini to five (5) grandchildren ages 2 - 15. For therapy beyond hugging grandkids, I garden . . . a lot!
Platform: I served as President of Faculty Alliance in its last year, before becoming Faculty Senate (FS). I also worked on the ad hoc committee elected to evaluate the pros/cons of creating FS and wrote the Charter/Bylaws for FS. In the Faculty Senate's first year, I served as Secretary, helping Aaron Bartula (then President) and the newly elected senate fully develop the bylaws, structure, and role of the newly formed representative body. Over my eight years at UNTD, I've served on 12 different committees from the University Program Assessment Committee to the Nominations & Elections Committee to the Graduate Council. This year, I will be a part of the University Budget & Appropriations Committee and am looking forward to that process. Richard Chandler, FS President 24-25 has discussed several goals of FS this coming year, and it will be important to play a supportive role to him and the senators to achieve the desired outcomes. My past work in community organizing, organizational development, strategic planning, and resource development, helps me to view how people and systems coordinate to become more functional and tactical. Faculty have a defined role of shared governance of the university and the leadership of FS must exert their influence and contribution. It is necessary to hear, understand, and present the views of faculty clearly and directly with the intent of transforming students and advancing the university. As UNTD begins a new era of leadership, it will be vitally important that FS be a vocal and strategic partner. I hope faculty can trust me to be a necessary voice.
Parlimentarian/Secretary-Elect
Dr. Joshua Goodson, Lecturer, Mathematics and Information Sciences (LAS)
Bio: I have been at UNT Dallas for the past 5 years teaching mathematics.
Platform: I have served as Secretary for the last year and have learned a lot about the problems that need to be addressed by the Faculty Senate. I want to continue to do what I can to improve the school on behalf of the faculty.
Senator, Permanent Non-Tenure Track
Mr. Gabriel Otteson, Lecturer, Communication & Digital Media (LAS)
Bio: Gabe Otteson (“Professor O”) is a Lecturer in the Communication and Digital Media program, teaching courses in digital production, media storytelling, announcing, and visual communication, among others. Professor Otteson earned a Bachelor's degree in Electronic Media and Film, along with a Media Production Certification from Northern Arizona University in 2008, and a Master of Arts in Radio, TV, and Film from the University of North Texas in 2013. Since his arrival at UNT Dallas in 2018, Professor Otteson has served in multiple leadership roles, including as a Faculty Senator, Chair of the Faculty Worklife Committee, and as the current Chair of the LAS Curriculum Review Committee. Outside of campus, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Texas Association of Broadcast Educators.
Platform: The coming years represent a time of transition for UNT Dallas. During such times of change and uncertainty, developing and maintaining an effective and collaborative voice for all faculty is of utmost importance. Recent years have seen increasing expectations placed on faculty of all ranks, while necessary support from the university has lagged behind and such issues deserve to be addressed and not simply be pushed aside in the name of expediency. Our university's teaching-focused mission has allowed lecturers and other non-tenure-track faculty on this campus the opportunity to flourish and take on a level of leadership that isn't common at other universities. I believe our nontenure-track faculty to be a strength that makes this campus special and one that we ought to fight to keep by ensuring that Lecturers are fairly compensated and justly recognized for our contributions to the university and its mission. I intend to work closely with the Senate officers and Senators to ensure that those interests are protected and advocated for, while ensuring that the Faculty Senate can be a strong yet collaborative, voice for faculty interests throughout the changes ahead.
Ms. Patricia Wynn, Senior Lecturer, School of Business
Bio: Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner and Certified in Strategic and Competitive Analysis. Senior Financial Executive with expertise in commercial lending, communications, manufacturing and defense contracting. MBA Management Accounting and Business Information Systems-University of North Texas 1989. Adjunct Professor/Lecturer Finance/Senior Lecturer School of Business. Teaching experience undergraduate accounting and finance courses. Committees (Current)-Business Meta Major Working Group Team, Core Curriculum Assessment/Scorecard, Dallas Community College Accounting Advisory Council, Faculty Marshal, International Committee-Faculty Led Subcommittee, Accounting & Finance Club Sponsor, OneHE, SOB Marketing & Student Relations Subcommittee, Sigma Beta Delta-International Business Honor Society, IMA Leadership Academy (Associate Dean), IMA Campus Advocate/Influencer, TXCPA Faculty Ambassador. Past-Engagement Retention Subcommittee, Academic Affairs, Annual Administrator Advisory Review, UBAC, IMA Global Board of Directors.
Platform: The Faculty Senate is the "voice of the university." I am interested in serving as the Senator-Permanent Non-Tenure Track. My current and past experience of serving on various university faculty committees has enabled me to work with faculty members from all disciplines to discuss and review university faculty related initiatives, policies, procedures, etc. I have held many leaderships positions on university committees as well as on external professional and community related committees. I believe everyone's voice and input needs to be respected, heard and considered in decision making. Senators should act in the interest of the entire university--its mission, strategies, etc. The Non-Tenure Track faculty are unique and should be represented by a faculty member who understands their initiatives and concerns.
Senator, Tenured Faculty
Dr. Marco Shappeck, Professor, Languages, Linguistics, & Rhetoric (LAS)
Bio: After earning my doctorate in Linguistics from the University of Illinois, I became a part of the faculty at UNT Dallas. Over the past 14 years, I have actively contributed to two different schools, collaborated with colleagues to establish a new languages department, served in faculty alliance and senate roles, and led various campuswide initiatives. Fostering professional connections with staff and faculty members who play crucial roles in our institutions has always been a key objective for me. My ongoing scholarly and pedagogical endeavors are dedicated to addressing our local needs effectively and in concert with my colleagues. My previous involvement in school and university committees, coupled with my tenure in the senate, equips me to effectively advocate for the future concerns of our faculty.
Platform: My platform for the faculty senate next year comprises three key goals: (1) Enhancing and sustaining our overall efficiency and organization; (2) Establishing effective and regular communication with the administration regarding new administration positions; and (3) Advocating for evidence-based salary increases for all instructors, ranging from adjuncts to tenured professors. (1) Efficiency and Organization: Implement streamlined processes for reporting out decisions voted on during our monthly meetings; facilitate more collaboration among senate members and the senate's standing committees; and promote relevant communication between our faculty senate and the other senates around Texas. (2) Communication with Administration: Establish regular meetings or forums between the senate and administration to discuss new appointments and ensure faculty input in the selection process. Develop clear channels for feedback and suggestions from faculty members regarding administrative positions (Dean of LAS, University President, and other future openings). (3) Salary Increases: Continue to gather data on comparable salaries in similar institutions to present a compelling case for fair and competitive compensation for all faculty members. Advocate for equitable pay structures and recognition of the contributions made by instructors at all levels. By focusing on these areas, we can strengthen the senate's impact and support the interests of our faculty community.
Ifekhar Amin, Associate Professor, Counseling & Human Services (BHHS)
BIO: None available
PLATFORM: None available
Senator, Business Place One
Dr. Subhro Mitra, Professor, School of Business
Bio: Dr. Subhro Mitra, is a Supply Chain and Marketing Management Professor at the School of Business at the University of North Texas-Dallas. He was awarded the Distinguished Educator’s Service Award by The National Defense Transportation Association. His research interests include freight flow modeling, security in the supply chain, asset management, life-cycle cost study, optimizing logistics network, and facility location study. He has published widely in top transportation and logistics journals. He has presented at several national and international conferences and has been the keynote speaker in roundtables and symposiums. He has completed several externally funded projects in the capacity of Principal investigator. Some of his research has received national recognition.
Platform: For the past 14 years, I've been a faculty member at UNT Dallas. During this time, I've observed challenges faced by faculty members and gained insight into how these issues should be communicated to the administration. My goal is to fully grasp faculty needs and find practical solutions within the constraints of our university.
Senator, School of Behavioral Health and Human Services
Dr. Nedra Washington Goss, Senior Lecturer, Counseling & Human Services (BHHS)
Bio: Dr. Nedra Yvonne Washington Goss brings a wealth of experience to her role as a Senior Lecturer in the Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) program at the University of North Texas at Dallas, where she has dedicated nearly a decade to shaping the minds of future educators. As the former program coordinator, Dr. Washington Goss spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the CDFS program, revitalizing its curriculum and ensuring its relevance in today's educational landscape. One of Dr. Washington Goss's notable achievements is the establishment of the CDFS mock classroom, providing students with firsthand experience in early childhood education settings. Through this initiative, students gain valuable insights into the dynamics of early childhood classrooms, the responsibilities of childcare center directors, and the regulatory requirements for operating such facilities. Prior to her tenure at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Dr. Washington Goss honed her teaching skills as a Teaching Assistant and Adjunct Professor at Texas Woman’s University. Her professional journey began at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she laid the foundation for her illustrious career in education. Beyond academia, Dr. Washington Goss is deeply engaged in community advocacy as the President of the Black Child Development Institute Dallas/Fort Worth Metro. Since assuming the presidency in 2014, she has led the Metro Affiliate in its mission to champion early learning initiatives and support home-based childcare centers throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Metropolitan area. Under her leadership, the organization provides essential training to childcare centers, hosts a weekly FACEBOOK LIVE series on early care and education trends, and facilitates community conversations through platforms like The Kitchen Table. Before transitioning to academia, Dr. Washington Goss spent 25 years in the retail industry as an Account Executive for Johnson Publishing Company and Fashion Fair.
Platform: My commitment to serve. Faculty Senate at a UNT Dallas involves active engagement, collaboration, and advocacy for the interests and concerns of faculty members. I must be present in order to affect change. Active participation in discussions and decision-making processes is key to contributing effectively. I must voice the concerns of the faculty. When chosen, I am the representative voice for faculty members in the school of Behavioral Health and Human Services. I will raise the concerns of our faculty members, in addition to proposing solutions, and advocating for policies that support their professional development, well-being, and academic interests. I will do this by serving on committees. Committee work allows me to contribute my expertise in my respective area and address particular challenges. Additionally, I will participate in the following areas: policy development and review, communication and outreach, professional development support, collaborate with university administrators, including the provost, deans, and department chairs, to represent faculty interests. I will engage with the university community which includes our students, our staff, our alumni, and our community stakeholders. This can foster partnerships and collaborations that will advance the university's mission and goals. Last but certainly not least, remain informed about best practices, trends and issues, and developments in higher education. I will take advantage of professional development opportunities, conferences, and any additional training that will assist to the success of this governance.
Senator, Liberal Arts & Sciences Place Three
Dr. Noureen Khan, Professor, Mathematics & Information Sciences (LAS)
Bio: Noureen Khan is a professor of mathematics at UNT Dallas. She has served as a Fulbright Scholar and Fulbright Specialist in Qatar and Vietnam. Her research interests and areas of expertise lie in applied mathematics, focusing on topics such as mathematical modeling of DNA recombination and the neurosystem. Her work in these fields has garnered international recognition and been supported by numerous national grants, solidifying her reputation as a renowned scholar in the field.
Platform: None available