University Staff Advisory Committee

The University Staff Advisory Committee (USAC) is charged with strengthening the Wilkes community by enhancing the channels of communication and serving as a liaison between the staff and administration.

The committee will represent all levels of staff, and consists of both volunteers and appointed representatives. The purpose of the committee is to focus on issues affecting the overall staff community, not individual members. USAC will also work collaboratively with the Faculty Affairs Council (FAC) on issues of joint concern.

Our Mission

The committee will strive for transparency, communicating our progress publicly through appropriate methods. USAC will work to strengthen communication between constituencies on campus through a two-way communication process. Participation by all staff members will be encouraged at the open forum portion of the regularly held meetings. The committee will address initiatives beneficial to the University community and work toward implementing solutions in a timely manner. All efforts will support the University strategic plan and align with the University mission, vision and goals.

2022-23 Committee

Name Department Email
Anthony Naro (USAC Chair) Student Financial Services anthony.naro@wilkes.edu
Patty DeViva (USAC Vice Chair) Marketing Communications patricia.deviva@wilkes.edu
Kathy Lewis (USAC Secretary) Office of Technology for Teaching and Learning katherine.lewis@wilkes.edu
Mandy Pennington (USAC Treasurer) Marketing Communications mandy.pennington@wilkes.edu
Karen Alessi Sidhu School of Business karen.alessi@wilkes.edu
Theresa Cochran Facilities theresa.cochran@wilkes.edu
Janet Cussatt Business Operations janet.cussatt@wilkes.edu
Lori Drozdis Passan School of Nursing lori.drozdis@wilkes.edu
Michele Garrison College of Health and Education michele.garrison@wilkes.edu
Joseph Housenick Human Resources joseph.housenick@wilkes.edu
Julia Jacien Nesbitt School of Pharmacy julia.jacien@wilkes.edu
Julia Panzitta Institutional Research julia.panzitta@wilkes.edu
Megan Boone Valkenburg Office of Civic Engagement megan.boone@wilkes.edu

Staff representation on Wilkes standing/search committees

  • Julia Panzitta | Human Resources Committee
  • Anthony Naro | Board of Trustees Finance Committee
  • Patty DeViva | Budget Committee
  • Lori Drozdis | Wellness Committee
  • Julia Jacien | Advancement

Staff Recognition

USAC recognizes outstanding staff at Wilkes through two programs: "Caught Being Colonel" and the Colonel Quarterly Awards.

Learn More About our Staff Recognition

Staff Mentoring

Your Colonel Colleagues Need You! Apply to be a staff mentor and help welcome new employees into the Wilkes Community.

Apply to be a Staff Mentor

Employee Discounts

A variety of businesses offer discounts to Wilkes employees. You will need to present your Wilkes ID to access these discounts.

Barnes & Noble

10% off purchase (not applied to text books)

Benchmark Mortgage

No appraisal fee for the purchase or refinance closing on a new mortgage.

Benchmark Mortgage Flyer (.pdf)

Franco’s Pizzeria

10% off purchase

Genetti’s Hotel

Rates for a standard, 1-King Bed or 2-Queen Beds room type, and the associated ADA-compliant room types:

  • $99.00 + 11% taxes (total $ 109.89) for Guests staying Sunday through Thursday.
  • $139.00 + 11% taxes (total $ 154.29) for Guests staying Friday & Saturday.

The Hotel Jacuzzi Suites are NOT available at the College Visitor discount rate, but are available at other discounted rates, such as AARP or AAA.

Blackout dates may apply.

LawnStarter Pest Control

$20 off the first pest control service and choose from 50+ additional outdoor services. Use promo code EDU20 at the LawnStarter website.

Odyssey Fitness

Corporate Membership open to all employees and families of Wilkes University.

For more information, please review the flyer and/or contact:

Ryan Savka, Director of Sales
570.829.2661 ext. 1210
rsavka@odysseyfitnesscenter.com

Odyssey Fitness Flyer (.pdf)

Sam’s Club

Discount for new Club or Plus membership. See flyer for more details.

Offer valid through 01/30/23.

Sam's Club Discount Flyer (.pdf)

Verizon Wireless

15% discount. Visit Verizon Discounts to apply.

YMCA

Free membership to employees.

Wilkes University Athletics

Free admission for employees and family at all home events

Contact Us

If you have any questions for USAC, please email usac@wilkes.edu or contact:

Anthony Naro

USAC Chair
(570) 408-3810
anthony.naro@wilkes.edu

Patty DeViva

USAC Vice Chair
570-408-4780
patricia.deviva@wilkes.edu