Michelle Besser
Program Specialist
School of Pharmacy
Please introduce yourself and describe your role at UMB.
I've just celebrated my 6th anniversary at the university, working in SOP's P-SHOR department. In my role as Program Specialist, I primarily take care of the PHSR Graduate Program, but also split a percentage of my time assisting with administrative duties for the department's faculty, staff, and students. I was UMB Employee of the Month in September 2021 and also participated in UMBrella Cohort 5 in 2022-2023. I've been on the Staff Senate for the last 3 years.
Why are you interested in serving on the Staff Senate?
I live by the mantra 'Do your best, not your least!' and so I come to serve, participate, represent, and be a voice in shared governance at UMB. It is a privilege to represent the staff! Amazing work is being done by this small but mighty group that represents and advocates for thousands of staff across campus. The plethora of committees we are invited to serve on touches many areas of campus. I am happy to serve where and when I can for the greater good of the university, faculty, staff, and students. I also genuinely enjoy being of service and love to stay busy.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
I hope to share my experience, opinions, and expertise where I can and work as a team to represent the staff effectively on matters that arise. It is great to have representation across all of the schools and in central administration. I am happy to be a voice for those in SOP as well as across campus by bringing concerns and/or needs of the staff to a forum that can be a part of generating change.
Describe your hobbies and interests outside of work.
Outside of work I am currently pursuing my MBA. I also like to spend time with family and friends, go to the beach, take day trips, and volunteer for my church.
