President's Address

I came to LSU a shell of a person , I had come from a toxic and traumatic work environment and LSU was my last chance institution. Meaning if it ain’t right I am out. When I first joined the Staff Senate I sought out Past President Rachel Henry via email and asked how to get involved. She recommended volunteering at Holiday on Campus. It was the most rewarding experience I had at LSU. At that point, I was working at LSU for six months. When elections rolled around , I applied to be a senator and was selected. The June meeting was held in Bill Lawton Room, the space packed and I saw the passing of the gavel to the incoming President and the energy and excitement was astonishing. 

That July meeting I hit my year mark. I attended that meeting and I heard the sentiments regarding someone in the incoming new senators group from the Past President. This person is going to be a rockstar. That pissed me off, because I think anyone has opportunities to succeed in this room as a senator. So I took that statement as a challenge and said Bet. I volunteered , became a Chair and in the moment of trying to prove outwardly I healed myself. I found my voice and a place where I felt heard. 

I share this for a few reasons, when the average staff tenure at LSU is just 2.4 years, it signals underlying issues that need to be addressed with honesty and urgency. While some turnover is natural, especially at a large institution, this level likely points to deeper patterns/issues. The energy in the Staff Senate has changed over the years, it’s been a disconnect and less Senators voicing concerns or doing motions.

I need you present in this space and active participants. The Executive Committee shouldn’t always be talking. You are our eyes and ears. Show up, speak up and engage.  Third, you are in this room/role because you were selected and appointed to make a difference and I for one can’t imagine being in this role and not leaning on you all to drive initiatives and make an impact. 

Every goal we’ve set this year is grounded in the feedback we’ve heard from you and the strategic plan we’ve built together. In response to that feedback, we’ve created a new Onboarding & Senator Experience Committee to ensure senators are fully prepared to represent you well. We’re also expanding with new committees focused on staff wellbeing, elections, and growing our efforts in volunteering, fundraising, and inclusive engagement.

One of our boldest goals this year is to launch a Staff Emergency Fund—a new initiative designed to support staff during unexpected moments of crisis. We’re also developing a Staff Wellness Institute and continuing important conversations around staff fees, crisis leave, and access to professional development.

Lastly, hear it from me, you are a rockstar now what you do from here depends on you. 

It’s an honor to serve you as the Staff Senate President. Over the next few months I am passionate about learning more about you all and connecting with our hard-working staff members across the University. staff are integral to the university’s success in serving students, supporting faculty research, and improving the welfare of Louisiana across the state. We do build teams that win. 

Quinneka McDonald

Staff Senate President