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College of Human Medicine

Dean's Support Staff Advisory Committee

The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Dean’s Support Staff Advisory Committee was established in April 2019 so that all employed support staff and contracted community campus staff can bring pertinent issues affecting the college’s operations to its dean for prompt discussion and resolution. Send any questions or reach out the committee at CHM.DSSAC@msu.edu.

Committee Members

Liz Stanton headshot.Liz has worked for Michigan State University for over 20 years and for the past five years in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development as an Office Assistant IV. Outside of her primary faculty responsibilities, she coordinates the department's faculty academic curriculum, programs, and conferences, as well as many other administrative duties.

Liz and her husband enjoy their growing family, including 5 grandchildren. Liz’s favorite hobbies are canning seasonal goods, camping, and kayaking.

 

 

Tae Blair headshot.In 2018, Tae joined the Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health in Flint. She is the Executive Assistant to Jennifer Johnson, Founding Chair. She enjoys working with and supporting the talented and diverse faculty and staff. While she is a Wisconsin native, she is a proud MSU mom.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two adult children and granddaughter; and attending cultural and live sporting events, especially the chance to attend a Packers game at Lambeau Field! Her hobbies include calligraphy, sewing and loves a creative challenge.

 

25-26 DACD Representative

Rachael joined the College of Human Medicine as the Admissions Officer for the Office of Admissions in February 2020. She has two Bachelor’s degrees. One in Human Development/Social Relations and another in Religion with a minor in Jewish Studies from Kalamazoo College. Rachael received a Master’s in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University in 2018.

Prior to CHM, Rachael worked at several universities as a Residence Hall Director. As an Admissions Officer, Rachael oversees admissions operations, screens medical school applications, manages the Interview Day process for medical school applicants, and coordinators incoming student scholarships. This is her second year on DSSAC. When she is not working, Rachael enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks with her dogs, cooking, and reading.

Heather Soule headshot.Heather, a College of Nursing alumna, serves as a Standardized Patient Educator in simulation at the College of Human Medicine. In this role, she works with the simulation team to leverage simulation-based learning with a focus in medical science, effective patient interactions and incorporating best practice into patient care techniques. She brings over two decades of nursing experience from diverse clinical settings along with a dedication to deliver exceptional patient care, enhance patient care processes through quality improvement initiatives, and advance healthcare education. Driven by a deep commitment for continuous improvement, her focus on fostering excellence and innovation in medical simulation reflects her passion for improving medical education and healthcare outcomes. Outside of simulation she spends her time with family surrounded by nature as much as possible.

 

Nicki Brown headshot.In 2011, Nicki joined the Traverse City Campus as a Community Clerkship Administrator. Over the years, as the campus developed and the curriculum evolved, she transitioned into her current role as Student Programs Administrator. In this position, she works closely with M3s and M4s, supporting them in career advising and guiding them through their final two years of medical school. She finds great joy in working with talented students across Northern Michigan and watching them grow into PGY1 Residents.

A Traverse City native, Nicki now lives in Beulah, a small town along the Lake Michigan coast. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, raising 4-H animals, volunteering at one of the largest fairs in Michigan, and attending her children’s events. Her hobbies include camping with her husband of twenty years, working on their hobby farm, and doing anything that involves her children.

Ryan Johnston standing in front of Spartan stadium.Ryan joined the Health Colleges Research Services office in 2021 as a Research Administrator Assistant focusing on pre-award grant submissions. Now Ryan has worked hard to become a Research Administrator II. Ryan has been involved with the HF+MSU Health Sciences partnership and also a participating member of SPROUT. Prior to joining MSU, he has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry with his duties ranging from project implementation/management to conducting training seminars and becoming a certified financial counselor.

A lifelong Spartan, Ryan earned his BA in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences here at Michigan State University and was also married on campus at the MSU Alumni Chapel.
Go Green!

Mar Dunstone headshot.Mar joined the Center for Bioethics and Social Justice as its administrative assistant in early 2024. She enjoys the multifaceted nature of the role, from supporting the Center’s operations and coordinating the What’s Happening in Bioethics and Social Justice webinar series, to assisting faculty with their research aimed at advancing health equity.

Outside of work, Mar enjoys tending to their vegetable and pollinator garden, exploring outside through hiking and camping, and creating linocut prints.

Karla Cody headshot.Karla is the Lansing Clerkship Assistant, Family Medicine Residency Network Coordinator, and the Reappointment, Promotion and Tenure Coordinator, for the Department of Family Medicine. Karla has been with the Department of Family Medicine since August of 2013. 

When Karla is not in the office, her and her husband are usually traveling to Kalkaska to spend time with their children and grandchildren, camping, or even jetting off on a cruise somewhere.

Quinn joined Academic Affairs as Executive Secretary in November 2023. Quinn has worked at Michigan State University since 2007. As part of the Academic Affairs staff team, Quinn provides direct administrative support for leadership team members including the Associate Dean for Community Academic Programs and the Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs.

Aside from her professional accomplishments, Quinn is passionate about spending quality time with her kids. She enjoys traveling, reading, strength training, and hiking.

April has been a Research Technician in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development since 2018. As a member of a team of investigators, April helps to develop models of rare disease to better understand neural cell function and fate in the developing brain.

Outside of the lab, April enjoys gardening, adventuring with her dogs, and spending time with her family.

kadunic-nadija.pngNadija Kadunic is the Social Media & Digital Marketing Manager for the college’s Marketing and Communications department. She is a storyteller for the college, helping to amplify the college's standing and presence across all social channels. Some of her favorite projects include Sparty Goes to Med School and a commencement TikTok that went viral. In addition to managing social media, Nadija produces the internal email newsletter MedNews, assists with graphic design and creating marketing materials, and helps write stories for the college website.

Originally from Bosnia, Nadija now calls Grand Rapids home. She volunteers with the Jericho Foundation, which helps marginalized youth in Bosnia. She has two cats, Sohla and Susu, who keep her busy but are the loves of her life. Some other things that delight her are thrifting and finding an excellent deal, a game or trivia night with friends, a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies, and spending time with her family. And Josh.

baranski-steven-headshot-sq.pngSteven is a Community Clerkship Assistant (CCA) for the Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine and Critical Care Clerkships at the MyMichigan Health, Midland Regional Campus, MSU CHM. Steven graduated from Northwood University in 2017 obtaining a Bachelor of both business management and entrepreneurship. Outside of work, Steven enjoys good times with good friends and his family. He is an avid gamer of all sorts. Especially on his desktop, playing card games and board games. Steven has recently begun learning to cook and enjoys good food.

connie piasecki headshot.Connie Piasecki is a Community Clerkship Assistant (CCA) at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Upper Peninsula Regional Campus, bringing more than 20 years of experience in medical education. In addition to supporting medical students, she has also contributed her expertise to the Marquette Family Medicine Residency Program, where she worked closely with family medicine residents and helped enrich the learning experience for all trainees.

Born and raised in Gwinn, Michigan, Connie now resides in Marquette. Outside of work, Connie enjoys traveling, crafting, reading, and spending quality time with her family, especially her two grandsons. In recent years, she has developed a passion for rummage sales and looks forward each year to a girls’ trip to Wisconsin to participate in a town-wide sale. Over the course of the weekend, she and her friends have been known to visit more than 70 sales.

Meetings

 

Bylaws

  • Committee Bylaws

    1.0 | Mission Statement

    The Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM) Dean’s Support Staff Advisory Committee (DSSAC) was established in April 2019 to provide direct conduit and representation that enable all employed support staff and contracted community campus staff of MSU CHM as a mechanism to bring pertinent issues affecting MSU CHM’s business and operations to the Dean’s office for timely discussion and resolution.

    2.0 | Charge

    2.1 The Committee is charged with the following:

    2.1.1 Communicating the Committee’s purpose to all MSU CHM support staff and developing and implementing the means for MSU CHM support staff to convey ideas and concerns to the Committee.

    2.1.2 Soliciting and representing ideas and input from MSU CHM support staff for discussion with and advising the MSU CHM dean and on matters brought to the attention of the Committee.

    2.1.3 Selecting and summarizing issues for presentation to the MSU CHM dean for discussion and resolution.

    2.1.4 Developing, proposing, and communicating solutions for resolving pertinent issues to MSU CHM support staff.

    2.1.5 Seeking feedback from MSU CHM support staff, the Committee and the MSU CHM Dean agree on a mutually beneficial solution to an issue.

    2.1.6 Recording and cataloging the solution for review and access by current and future MSU CHM support staff.

    2.1.7 Recognizing and engaging with MSU CHM support staff to foster a welcoming workplace environment.

    3.0 | Limitations

    3.1  No action by the Committee and/or the MSU CHM Dean supersedes MSU CHM support staff rights and obligations available through their bargaining units, MSU CHM, and MSU. Any action on the part of the Committee and/or the MSU CHM Dean is to address and resolve issues before they reach a point which requires the assistance of a bargaining unit or MSU CHM administration.

    4.0 | Composition of Committee, Committee Member Terms, and Committee Vacancies

    4.1  With a focus on achieving a fair representation of the diversity of MSU CHM support staff, the Committee will decide the number, composition, and selection of Committee members through its voting membership.

    4.2  The Committee will be composed of 10 or more MSUCHM full-time/part-time/contract staff from all MSU CHM campuses. The committee ensures to maintain committee representation from the APSA, APA, CT unions and non-union staff including contracted community campus staff, as well as representatives from a variety of CHM departments and Dean’s office units.

    4.2.1 To maintain a functioning committee, there must be a minimum of 10 DSSAC members. If this committee falls below 10 members, committee members will nominate staff members outside of the traditional application process to fill the opening. To fill a vacancy a nominee will need confirmation through a committee vote.

    4.2.2 An appointed faculty liaison will act as a conduit to the Dean. This liaison will attend DSSAC meetings.

    4.2.3 Area of focus for the DSSAC Committee

    4.2.3.1 Awards

    4.2.3.2 Communication

    4.2.3.3 Community Service 

    4.3  For regular Committee membership, a member’s term of commitment begins on July 1, ending on June 30 of the final year of the term. Membership requires a two-year term commitment. Members wishing to serve additional terms must reapply.

    4.3.1 Members added outside the regular nomination process shall complete the remainder of the term for the committee member they are replacing (as referenced in 4.2.1).

    4.4  Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Program Coordinator and Treasurer selection occurs annually, term begins July 1.

    4.4.1 The Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer positions must be a member who has served on the committee for one year prior.

    4.4.1.1.1 Chair- oversees committee, creates agendas, leads meetings.

    4.4.1.1.2 Vice-Chair-oversees program coordinator, creates agendas, works parallel with chair.

    4.4.1.1.3 Program Coordinator – oversees task set forth by monthly meetings.

    4.4.1.1.4 Secretary- takes minutes at meetings and submits them to the DSSAC website.

    4.4.1.1.5 Treasurer- Tracks and documents expenditures authorized by MSU CHM’s Dean’s office.

    4.4.2 At the first meeting in July, those interested in one of the above positions in 4.4.1 will verbally self-nominate. If there is no one running against them they will automatically be awarded the position. However, if there are multiple people interested in the same position each of the self-nominating individuals will give the group a brief explanation of why they would like that position. After the positions with multiple nominees present their explanation so the remaining committee members can vote. Each member will have 1 vote and the nominee with the most votes gets the position.

    4.5 Should a Chair member resign or otherwise be unable or unwilling to fulfill the term of service, the Vice Chair will take over for the Chair, and a vote for a new Vice Chair will take place in accordance with Section 6.0.

    4.5.1 If the Vice Chair, Secretary, and/or Treasurer are unable to fulfil their duties, then the committee will vote to fill that vacancy.

    4.5.2 If a regular committee member resigns, another member will not be reassigned until next term, except for in the case defined in 4.2.1 to maintain a committee of at least 10 members.

    4.6 General Elections

    4.6.1 60 days before the expiration of a Committee member’s term outlined in Subsection 4.3 the Committee shall notify MSU CHM full-time contracted community campus staff of the opportunity to apply for and serve on the Committee subject to the Committee’s selection process.

    4.6.1.1 List the expected term of service by the applicant.

    4.6.1.2 Require the applicant to explain their qualifications and interest in serving on the Committee.

    4.6.1.3 Describe the selection process and provide a set date by which a decision will be made.

    5.0 | Committee Meetings

    5.1 The Committee will convene as necessary to establish and develop strategies for meeting objectives - but not less than six times per year.

    5.2 The Committee Chair and Vice Chair shall be responsible for calling order and selecting the meeting dates and locations, as well as preparing and sending a meeting agenda to Committee members at least 1 day in advance of the meeting.

    5.3 Any Committee member may request a meeting to address a matter they feel needs immediate attention, subject to the Committee Chair’s review and approval which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

    5.4 Any Committee member may submit an item to an agenda prior to the meeting or move to amend the agenda at the start of a meeting.

    5.5 The Committee Secretary shall provide general minutes of full Committee meetings and include motions and votes (i.e., in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order).

    5.5.1 All Committee meetings will be recorded and/or documented by the Committee Secretary (meeting minutes), who in turn will disseminate a draft of the meeting minutes to the 1) Committee leadership team for review and correction as necessary and 2) the MSU CHM Dean’s Office solely for the purposes of reviewing the accuracy of comments and/or information attributable to the MSUCHM Dean. A copy of the meeting minutes approved by the Committee will be preserved by the Committee Secretary in a location accessible by the full Committee and MSU CHM staff.

    6.0 | Committee Voting

    6.1 A quorum (50% plus 1) of committee members must be present at any given meeting to conduct any committee business.

    6.2 The matter to be addressed and subject to a vote must be noticed in accordance with Section 5.

    6.3 After a request to speak has been raised to the Committee Chair and/or Vice-Chair, a Committee member may have up to 5 minutes of uninterrupted time to address the matter to be voted upon.

    6.4 After any Committee member has had the opportunity to address the matter to be voted upon in accordance with Section 6.3, the Committee Chair and/or Vice-Chair may open the matter for general discussion.

    6.5 Upon motion of the Committee Chair and/or Vice-Chair, the matter may 1) be tabled for further consideration and discussion by the Committee or 2) put forth for a simple majority vote by the attending Committee members.

    6.5.1 A 2/3 majority vote by the full Committee is required for any matter which limits the right or participation of or involvement by any Committee member.

    7.0 | Committee Communications

    7.1 Internal Committee communications including but not limited to meeting minutes, proposed Committee documents, and survey results.

    External Communication from any member(s) of the Committee to the MSU CHM community (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, Committee news), requires submission and approval of the Committee.

    7.1.1 In the event a simple majority of the Committee members cannot agree on the proposed external communication, the matter will be submitted to the Committee Chair and/or Vice-Chair for final determination with input from the Committee members.

    7.1.2 In the event of a dispute related to the proposed communication and the Committee Chair and/or Vice-Chairs’ determination, a Committee member may request a meeting under Section 5.0 and a formal vote by the Committee under Section 6.0.

    8.0 | Amendments

    8.1 Any Committee member may submit a proposal to amend the bylaws as an agenda item for consideration during a Committee meeting that has been scheduled in accordance with Section 5.0.

    8.2 The proposed amendment shall be subject to the Committee members' approval in accordance with Section 6.0.

    8.3 Any approved amendment shall be merged with the bylaws.

    Having had the opportunity for review and comment, and by a simple majority vote of the Committee members, the MSU CHM Dean’s Staff Advisory Committee Bylaws were approved on 26 February 2026.

    updated 03/11/2026