In recognition of their dedication to the mission of the U of A, the U of A Staff Senate is proud to announce and celebrate five exceptional employees as the Employees of the 1st Quarter for the 2024-25 academic year. These individuals exemplify our core values and make significant contributions to their units and the broader campus community.

Category I: Professional/Non-Faculty - Academic
Jeferson Prass Pimentel — research project analyst, Biological and Agricultural Engineering. During the 2024 growing season, Pimental led a team in accurately collecting and storing data from 20 rice fields for research focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Arkansas rice agriculture. Beyond driving efficiencies and cost savings in his primary role, Pimental also serves on the College of Engineering Staff Council, demonstrating his commitment to staff development and a positive work environment across campus.

Category I: Professional/Non-Faculty Administrative
Jonas Zabriskie — assistant director of student engagement and outreach, New Student & Family Programs. Zabriskie has played a pivotal role in the recent restructuring of the Division of Student Affairs, transitioning to a new role within the Student Engagement & Outreach unit, where he leads initiatives to support student success. He stepped up to manage the A-Week program under the Department of Transition Programs & Initiatives (TPI) during a period of staff shortages, ensuring the seamless execution of this critical event for over 6,000 first-year students. He has fostered vital cross-campus collaborations, maintained program quality and innovated new strategies to better serve students during a period of uncertainty.

Category II: Secretarial/Clerical
Anaid Espinosa — administrative support supervisor, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. Espinosa efficiently manages the needs of over 40 faculty members and 24 graduate assistants, while also handling travel arrangements for the department with meticulous attention to detail. Following the departure of another administrative assistant, Espinosa took on the role of multiple team members, exemplifying true dedication and teamwork, maintaining productivity and morale, and fostering a welcoming environment for colleagues and visitors alike in the College of Education and Health Professions.

Category III: Technical/Paraprofessional
Ali Williams — computer support specialist, University IT Services. Williams has been instrumental in the successful selection and implementation of a new campus-wide event registration system called RegistrationGuru. Drawing on 20 years of experience with events and software, Williams helped create a list of requirements, gathered feedback from colleagues across the university and ensured that the system would be easy for event planners and end-users while maintaining security and fiscal responsibility. Her technical skills, attention to detail and dedication to quality service were invaluable in learning the new software, keeping the implementation project on track, customizing the tool to fit the university's needs and providing continuous support to users.

Category IV: Skilled Crafts/Service/Maintenance
Christian Brannan — bus operator, Transit Operations. Brannan's commitment to safety extends beyond his regular duties, as exemplified by his initiative to address potentially hazardous situations along the bus route. This has led to safer environments, including the cutting of overgrown branches and brush obstructing visibility but also posing a risk to pedestrians on bike paths. Passengers often compliment his warm smile and great attitude.

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About Staff Senate: Created in 1976 by Board of Trustees Policy 810.1, Staff Senate and its elected senators have the responsibility of making recommendations to university leadership on any matter of staff concern, including quality of work life, the efficiency of operations, and staff service to the campus community. Staff Senate advocates in the areas of compensation, working conditions, health and wellness, fringe benefits, safety, parking, and other workplace issues. In addition, Senate works to celebrate, recognize, and give back to staff through programs such as Employees of the Quarter & Year, awards for Staff Team and Part-Time Employee of the Year, Staff Appreciation Week, the annual Staff Appreciation Picnic, Staff Senate Scholarships, and RazorGifts.

Monthly meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. and are open to the public both in-person and virtually.  Meeting details, lists of sitting Senators, and additional information can be found at the Staff Senate website.