OFFICERS
Vice Chair Nomination
Jenny Garrison
I currently serve as Director of the Center for Campus Life. I’ve worked at USI for over ten years and value the opportunities this campus has provided me. I served on the Administrative Senate before the pandemic (2018-2020) and am currently serving as Senator-at-Large. I am seeking the Vice Chair position for this upcoming term because I can effectively advocate for my fellow administrators. I have the experience to serve and understand the importance of this governance group’s work. I think there are areas of policy and university process that the administrative senate can impact. Additionally, I would like to find new ways to leverage the work done by our senate committees and get more administrators involved.
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Secretary/Treasurer Nomination
Carissa Prince
Carissa Prince is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana, holding a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (‘16) and a Master of Social Work degree (‘18). Her main focuses are appreciative advising and the strengths perspective. Her current roles are as an academic advisor at USI and an adjunct in the Social Work department. She also currently serves on the Administrative Senate’s Executive Committee as the Secretary/Treasurer filling in the remaining 2023-2024 term left vacant by Tricia Tieken, who served as Vice Chair for 2023-2024. She lives in Evansville with her husband, Chaise, and fur child, Harvey. In her spare time, Carissa enjoys creating art. Her latest projects have been book illustrations and pet portraits. She looks forward to the opportunity to serve again as Secretary/Treasurer for the 2024-2026 term.
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SENATORS
District 1 Senator Nominations
Erin Hollinger
Erin Hollinger is the Director of Educator Services in the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. She works with the Teacher Education department to ensure all teaching major and minor students across campus successfully transition through their teaching program and licensure. Erin worked in Outreach and Engagement for nine years before moving to her current role in 2021. In addition to her current director role, Erin is an adjunct instructor teaching diversity and equity in education. She will begin her doctoral coursework by pursuing her EdD in Fall 2024. She previously served on the Staff Council on the Pott College Strategic Plan committee. She looks forward to further serving USI through the Administrative Senate as a District 1 Senator.
Mackenzie Schmitt
My name is Mackenzie Schmitt. I am from Evansville, Indiana, and graduated from Mater Dei High School in 2013. After high school, I attended the University of Southern Indiana, graduating in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in health services and a concentration in Health Administration. I had minors in Psychology and Public Health. I am currently working towards my Master’s in Health Administration. Since graduation, I worked in healthcare administration at Deaconess and ProRehab for 5 years. I returned to USI in October 2023, joining Counseling and Psychological Services as an Operations and Data Manager. I love being back and having the experience as an employee at USI because I love the opportunity to give back to this University. I believe that my combined experience, first as a student, then as a professional in the Evansville community, and now as a USI employee, gives me a unique, fresh perspective that I am eager to bring to the Administrative Senate. I would be honored to serve and contribute to the wonderful work being done to support the mission of the Screaming Eagles.
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District 2 Senator Nomination
Laurie Wilson
Hello! I’m Laurel Wilson, but please call me Laurie. I am running for Senator in District 2. I am an IT Senior Applications Administrator headquartered on the 3rd floor of Rice Library. November 1 will mark my 17th year at USI. I’ve served on the Employee Relations and Benefits (ERB) standing committee for five years. The ERB tackled several necessary charges during that time, and I enjoyed my part in researching and writing proposals. If you elect me as Senator, I would like to continue with the ERB and represent you in a more official capacity. Thanks so much!
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District 3 Senator Nominations
Blake Bruner
Blake Bruner, Director of Athletics Ticketing, graduated from USI in 2015 with a sports management degree and two minors: business marketing and intercollegiate athletics. His experience in sports within the Evansville community comes from work with the Evansville IceMen, Evansville Thunderbolts, and Evansville Otters. He worked at Old National Bank for five years before this position in Athletics was created. Blake is very grateful to be back on campus and working in sports again. One of his top passions is sharing how much USI means to him, and he is looking forward to helping our student-athletes and fans thrive in the Division 1 era. His wife, Alexis, graduated from USI in 2015. Blake said being on the administrative senate would be an honor, and helping move USI forward would be his top priority.
Sara Deal
Sara has been the Manager of the Special Events and Scheduling department since March 2023 and a proud Alumna of the USI undergraduate class of 2019 from the College of Liberal Arts. As a member of the USI community, Sara is very passionate about topics relating to campus involvement and safety. She is currently a student in the Communication Studies program and seeks to obtain her second undergraduate degree by 2027 before moving on to a graduate degree program. In her spare time, Sara is an avid reader and a proud pet parent to one very fluffy kitty.
Audra Lambert
Audra Verona Lambert is the Curator at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art at the University of Southern Indiana. Originally from New Orleans, she graduated from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO, with a Master’s in Art History and Visual Culture in 2021 while serving as Director of Amos Eno Gallery. She has worked in art nonprofits and galleries since 2012 and is excited to spearhead a new exhibition suite with the university’s gallery in New Harmony. She enjoys running, reading, and walking her dog, Patrick, in Garvin Park on the weekends.
Brittany Skinner
I am a USI alumna and work as a Content Marketing Specialist for the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. Having held various leadership positions throughout my lifetime, I value being part of a community that is passionate about its work.
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District 4 Senator Nominations
Emily Ozee
Emily Ozee is an academic advisor in the CNHP advising center. She previously attended USI and earned a bachelor's in English literature in 2017 and a Master's in English in 2023. While at work, Emily enjoys her face-to-face daily interaction with students, helping them achieve their goals, celebrating their accomplishments, and advocating for their needs. In her free time, you can find her baking or cooking something new, wrangling the Three Ausketeers, outdoors, at concerts or shows, or reading a good book.
Blake Whitehouse
My name is Blake Whitehouse, and I am from Boonville, Indiana. I am an Area Coordinator in the Housing and Residence Life Department. I graduated from USI in Spring 2022 with a degree in Theatre Arts. I will be continuing my education starting in the summer of 2024 by pursuing a Master of Arts in English degree- with eventual plans to achieve a doctorate degree. All of my life, I've enjoyed helping people and doing my best to make the lives of my friends and colleagues better. To continue that mindset, I fully believe that running for the Administrative Senate is my best opportunity.
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Senator At-Large Nomination
Elizabeth Damm Schmitt
I have been a part of the USI community my entire life, living minutes from campus. During my undergraduate years, I was a student worker in Accounts Payable until graduation in 2016. Then, I became a full-time employee in the Business Office and earned my MBA in 2016. In prior roles, I focused on effective and efficient processes and can use this passion to help progress USI forward. I served on the Admin Senate, representing District II, in 2020-21 before leaving the university to try my hand at teaching. The experience of serving our community's youth was worthwhile and gave me an enhanced perspective on my goals for my life. I learned about policies that USI could incorporate and want to work to bring them to fruition to benefit fellow employees. I am now back at USI in Student Financial Assistance, utilizing my past experiences to counsel students on Financial Aid.