The academic staff committee is made up of nine elected members who serve two-year terms. The committee typically consists of seven permanent members and two alternate members.

Updated February 18, 2025

Officers

Jesse Czech, Chair
2025-26 term
UW-Shared Services
jesse.czech@uwss.wisconsin.edu

Katie Ptaszek, Secretary
2024-25 term
UW System Administration, Office of Trust Funds
katherine.ptaszek@wisconsin.edu

Jesse Czech, Systemwide Academic Staff Representative
2025-26 term
UW-Shared Services
jesse.czech@uwss.wisconsin.edu

Committee Members

Ryan Anderson
2024-25 term
UW Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources, Senior Director of Instructional Design
ryan.anderson@uwex.wisconsin.edu

Sarah Ebben
2025-26 term
UW System Administration, Business Systems Administrator
sarah.ebben@wisconsin.edu

Cayla Leikin
2025-26 term
UW System Administration, Office of Business and Entrepreneurship
cayla.leikin@business.wisconsin.edu

Shanna Nifoussi 
2025-26 term
UW System Administration, Director of Academic Student Success Initiatives
shanna.nifoussi@wisconsin.edu

Ka Lia Smith
2025-26 term
UW Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources, Scholarship Manager
kalia.smith@uwex.wisconsin.edu

Lindsey Smeaton (Alternate)
2025-26 term
UW Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources, Associate Instructional Designer
lindsey.smeaton@uwex.wisconsin.edu

Subcommittees

  • Policy Review & HR Liaison
    Sarah Ebben, Cayla Leikin, Shanna Nifoussi
  • Communications
    Jesse Czech, Ryan Anderson, Ka Lia Smith
  • Bylaws and Divisional Representation (Including Grievances)
    Cayla Leikin, Katie Ptaszek, Shanna Nifoussi
  • Regents Awards & Eugene Craven Memorial Award
    Sarah Ebben, Lindsey Smeaton, Ryan Anderson
  • Elections
    Katie Ptaszek, Ka Lia Smith, Lindsey Smeaton
  • Resolution Drafting
    Jesse Czech, Cayla Leikin, Sarah Ebben