Burks, Brothers Advance to Trustee General Election

 LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 10, 2010) – Two University of Kentucky employees have moved a step closer in their bids to become the staff representative to the Board of Trustees.

The winners of the primary election are Sheila Brothers, with 44 percent of the vote, and Jann Burks, with 39.5 percent. Brothers and Burks will advance to the general election that begins on Wednesday, May 19, and ends on Wednesday, June 2.

Brothers expressed her excitement at advancing.  “I am excited to have made it to the second round, and I want to thank all the staff employees who voted for me.  My goal during the next couple of weeks is to continue answering questions and sharing my thoughts with staff across campus, particularly with those who did not vote for me.  

"As opposed to reacting to what is presented to us, I know that we as UK staff can be proactive and find solutions to problems," said Brothers.  "If elected, I plan on working towards empowering staff employees and the Staff Senate to do just that."

Burks stated that she was happy to have the support of staff. “John F. Kennedy wrote, ‘One person can make a difference and every person should try.’  I’m excited to have the opportunity to be that person who is trying to make a difference and who is working to inspire others to try. My fellow employees need a morale boost in seeing a better future.  I would like to be the voice that speaks for our staff.  I appreciate the chance to make a difference on behalf of staff,” said Burks.

Those eligible to vote in the upcoming election are regular, full-time staff employees, which includes administrators and academic deans.  Voters will have a chance to hear the two candidates debate at the Staff Senate meeting in William T. Young Library’s auditorium from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. May 13. 

The debate will be streamed live on the Staff Senate website at www.uky.ed/staffsenate/.

Brothers is the administrative coordinator in the Office of the Senate Council, and Burks is a 4-H youth development specialist in the College of Agriculture Extension Service.  Brothers served as chair of the Staff Senate in 2003-04, and Burks currently serves as its treasurer.  

The new trustee will serve on the board for three years beginning July 1, 2010, replacing outgoing trustee Robynn Pease.

Voting in the general election coincides with Staff Appreciation Day on May 19, and staff employees will have the opportunity to vote at the Student Center that day.  The primary official voting site is at http://www.uky.edu/staffsenate where more information about the candidates may be obtained. 

Questions for the debate may be submitted to debate moderator and Staff Senate Chair Bryan Back at bback2@uky.edu.