2025-26 Senate Leadership Nominations and Campaign Statements
Please note: Some election results have not been received by the Senate Executive Secretary, particularly those for students. Nominations may be made from the floor during the appropriate portion of the election meeting, but only if the nominee’s election to the Senate has been certified in writing to the Senate Executive Secretary by the unit’s dean, designated dean’s representative, or student governing association advisor, as appropriate. If there are no eligible nominees in a category, a special election will be held at the September or October 2025 Senate meeting.
Click on the nominees’ names below to read their campaign statements. Nominees marked with an asterisk must have their election to the Senate confirmed before the election is held.
CHAIR (Elect One)
Lucille Foster, Newark Staff
VICE CHAIR (Elect One)
Adrienne Esposito, New Brunswick Staff
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FACULTY
Camden (Elect One)
David Salas-De La Cruz, Camden At-Large (F)
New Brunswick (Elect One)
Robert Boikess, SAS-NB (F)
Anna Haley, School of Social Work (F)
Newark (Elect One)
Paul Boxer, SAS-N (F)
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (Elect One)
At-Large (Elect Two)
[This category is populated at election time by those Executive Committee faculty nominees who do not prevail in the CLU-specific elections above.]
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LECTURER FACULTY (Elect One)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ALUMNI (Elect One)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STAFF (Elect One)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE STUDENTS
Camden (Elect One)
Humna Hussain, School of Business-Camden (S)
New Brunswick (Elect One)
Arielle Berkowitz, School of Management and Labor Relations (S)
Newark (Elect One)
Tiffany Olivera, Graduate School-Newark (S)
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (Elect One)
BOARD OF GOVERNORS FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
Heather Pierce, Lecturer-New Brunswick (F)
BOARD OF GOVERNORS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
Safanya Searcy, School of Criminal Justice, Student
BOARD OF TRUSTEES FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE (Elect Two)
Brian Householder, School of Communication and Information, Faculty (F)
Tuğrul Özel, New Brunswick At-Large (F)
Wendy Purcell, School of Public Health (F)
Robert Schwartz, RBHS At-Large, Faculty (F)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
Chloe Tirino, Rutgers Business School:Undergraduate NB (S)
BOARD OF TRUSTEES GRADUATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE (Elect One)
MEMBERS OF THE POLICY APPROVAL COMMITTEE (Elect Two)
Siatta Davis, Camden Staff
Campaign Statements
Chair
Lucille Foster, Newark Staff
I am honored to announce my candidacy for a second term as Chair of the Rutgers University Senate. With deep commitment and enthusiasm, I seek your support to continue advancing our shared vision of academic excellence, inclusivity, and community empowerment.
Serving as Chair has been a privilege, allowing me to work alongside faculty, staff, students and alumni in various capacities. These experiences have provided invaluable insights into the diverse needs and aspirations of our community. I have actively advocated for greater Senate involvement in helping the administration navigate the challenges we face today. This experience has only strengthened my belief in the power of shared governance and collaborative decision-making as essential pillars of a thriving academic environment.
If re-elected, I will remain steadfast in my commitment to:
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- Transparency and Open Communication – Ensuring that all voices are heard, fostering meaningful dialogue, and making information accessible to the entire university community.
- Advocacy for Equity and Inclusion – Championing policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a more supportive and representative environment for all.
- Strengthening Academic Excellence – Supporting initiatives that enhance teaching, research, and professional development opportunities for faculty and students.
- Collaborative Leadership – Encouraging partnerships across the university to drive meaningful change and strengthen the Senate’s role in shaping the institution’s future.
Together, we can build a more inclusive, transparent, and innovative university community. Your trust and support are invaluable as we continue this important work.
Thank you for your consideration.
Statement of attendance regarding Senate Meetings
Executive Committee and Senate
I have faithfully attended all meetings with 100 percent attendance for all EC and Senate meetings.
Vice Chair
Adrienne Esposito, New Brunswick Staff
Dear Colleagues and Fellow Senators,
Thank you for considering me for the position of Senate Vice Chair. Over the past year, serving as Vice Chair has reinforced my dedication to this leadership support role. As we continue to navigate the complexities of Rutgers governance, I bring commitment, technical vision, and the energy to drive meaningful, collaborative change.
As a New Brunswick Staff representative in the Senate, I have served as Vice Chair, participated on the Executive Committee, contributed to the Structure and Governance Committee, and co-chaired the IT Committee. In these roles, I have worked to enhance collaboration by providing guidance, developing effective methods, and implementing systems that support the Senate’s mission.
If elected, I will continue to bring integrity, impartiality, and innovation to the role. I will support the Chair in fostering open communication and ensuring that every perspective is heard.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to continue serving.
Adrienne Esposito
Attendance Records for Terms 2023-2024 and 2024-2025
2024-2025
3/28/25 Present
2/21/25 Present
1/31/25 Present
1/24/25 Present
12/13/24 Present
11/15/24 Excused
10/18/24 Present
9/20/24 Present
4/26/24 Present
2023-2024
5/3/24 Present
4/26/24 Present
3/22/24 Present
2/16/24 Present
1/19/24 Excused
12/8/23 Present
11/17/23 Present
10/20/23 Present
9/22/23 Present
Executive Committee Camden Faculty
David Salas-De La Cruz, Camden At-Large (F)
It is an honor to be recognized for the Rutgers University Senate E.C. for the 2025–2026 academic year as the Camden Faculty Representative. I am committed to representing the voices of Camden faculty, students, and staff and am excited to continue advocating for our unique strengths and challenges within the broader university system.
I hold a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.Sc. from Villanova University, and a B.Sc. from the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez. With over 20 years of experience in both industry and academia, more than 40 publications, and service on multiple local boards, I have worked to elevate our campus profile and ensure that our various communities are engaged in research and decision-making at all levels.
I have served as Interim Chair and currently serve as Graduate Program Director in Chemistry and, for the next three years, as Camden Faculty At Large Senator. These leadership roles have allowed me to witness disparities across campuses and issues related to equity. If elected, I will continue working toward budget and research equity, ensuring we have access to the same opportunities and resources as other campuses. In our current political climate, I am especially committed to advancing representation and access for our diverse academic community. Students are at the heart of our mission, and our faculty must be empowered to lead through inclusive, research-driven education. I will continue to advocate for policies that promote equity, support, and collaboration across all Rutgers campuses.
Executive Committee New Brunswick Faculty
Robert Boikess, SAS-NB (F)
Participation in and commitment to shared governance have been an important part of my career at Rutgers. My membership in the University Senate began in the early 1970s and has continued since then with only minor interruptions. I have learned a great deal about the workings of shared governance and of the University. My knowledge and experience will enable me to be an effective member of the Senate Executive Committee.
Anna Haley, School of Social Work (F)
I am running for re-election to the Senate EC out of deep commitment to the principles and practices of shared governance, and to the critical role the EC plays in upholding them. At a time of existential threat to higher education and our democratic foundations, robust, inclusive governance is not a luxury: it is essential to identifying ethical, equitable, and effective paths forward. This work requires an EC that tenaciously represents the interests of Senators and, through them, our broad and diverse university community: all faculty, staff, students, and alumni across Chancellor-led units. These vast non-managerial voices are Rutgers’ center of gravity. In my current EC role, I’ve contributed to drafting resolutions, shaping and assigning charges, and strategizing ways to engage Rutgers leadership in Senate concerns. Serving simultaneously as Chair of the New Brunswick Faculty Council has helped me build vertical and horizontal coordination across governance bodies to increase our collective impact. I’ve previously served on the AAUP-AFT Executive Council; as Co-Chair of the Senate’s FPAC; as Senate faculty representative to the Board of Trustees; and as a member of the Senate Appeals Committee, all informing how I help identify shared and distinct campus concerns and collaborate on responsive solutions. I also teach and research public and nonprofit leadership, which further grounds my approach to this work. “Nothing about us without us” is more than a slogan; it’s a value I’ve seen the EC pursue with care and integrity. I would be honored to continue contributing to that work.
Executive Committee Newark Faculty
Paul Boxer, SAS-N (F)
My name is Paul Boxer, and I am a professor of psychology at Rutgers-Newark. This past term, I served for the second time as faculty representative to the Executive Committee from Newark. I continued my membership on FPAC and was elected to the ad-hoc committee on the federal funding freeze. Through all these roles I have kept my commitment to and advocacy for the Newark community front and center. As a member of the Executive Committee, I believe that I have represented the interests of Newark effectively and I am asking for your support to continue in this role.
Our university stands before serious external threats even while we contend with challenges internally. We are in the midst of major transitions – come fall, we will have a new president and a new Newark chancellor. Come fall, we may face severe shortfalls in federal funding and uncertain support from state funding. I believe that this is a time for expanding Senate participation in shared governance and bringing the unified interests of students, alumni, staff, and faculty to bear on critical conversations with administration. I am a strong proponent of shared governance and have pressed this practice at multiple levels of the university.
To the Newark faculty here, I would be honored to continue representing you on the Executive Committee. To everyone, I will be honored to continue working on ensuring that all members of our community, across campuses, have equitable access to the significant resources and benefits that Rutgers University provides.
Executive Committee RBHS Faculty
Executive Committee Lecturer Faculty
Executive Committee Alumni
Executive Committee Staff
Executive Committee Camden Student
Humna Hussain, School of Business-Camden (S)
As one of the newly elected Camden undergraduate representatives to the University Senate, I am excited to serve and make sure that Camden students are heard and prioritized. Our campus may be smaller, but we are a unique and diverse community, with voices and needs being just as powerful and important. That is why I am running to be the Camden student member of the Executive Committee, so that our perspective is included in the university-wide decision making.
Camden needs a strong voice on the Executive Committee, a student who understands the campus and is ready to advocate for it. As a Business School student, commuter, and active member of campus life, I understand the challenges Camden students face. I believe that it is important for someone from Camden to be on the Executive Committee to speak up and bring unique perspectives, and I am ready to represent those.
I believe that I would make a strong candidate because I truly care about making an impact. I am able to listen to students, especially those who feel overlooked, and want to bring forward practical initiatives that can improve wellness and recreation opportunities, continue to support commuter students, and make sure Camden’s priorities are acted upon.
I would be honored to be the voice Camden deserves on the Executive Committee—thoughtful, passionate, and impactful.
Executive Committee New Brunswick Student
Arielle Berkowitz, School of Management and Labor Relations (S)
As a dedicated student leader with a strong commitment to advocacy and inclusion, I am eager to pursue a position in the University Senate for the 2025–2026 academic year. Currently, I serve as the President of the Transfer Student Association at Rutgers University, where I have spearheaded initiatives aimed at revitalizing student communities, enhancing communication, and ensuring that all voices are acknowledged, particularly those of individuals who often feel marginalized.
My background in Human Resources Management, complemented by minors in Political Science and Labor Studies, provides me with a unique perspective through which I approach governance, equity, and policy-making. I have worked on grant funding and event coordination for nonprofits, acquiring valuable experience in navigating institutional processes and effectively balancing competing interests.
I believe in listening first and then leading. This philosophy has helped me revive a dormant student organization, build an executive board from the ground up, and empower others to take action. I hope to bring that same energy, organization, and passion to a Senate leadership position, and I respectfully ask for your nomination and support.
Executive Committee Newark Student
Tiffany Olivera, Graduate School-Newark (S)
My name is Tiffany R. Olivera, and I am a fourth-year PhD candidate in Chemistry at the Newark campus. I have had the honor of serving as the Newark Graduate Student Senator for three consecutive academic years (2022–2025), as well as the Newark Student Executive Committee Representative to the University Senate during that same time.
Through these roles, I’ve worked diligently to represent the voices and concerns of Newark graduate students, ensuring our unique perspectives are heard and valued within university-wide discussions. As an active member of the Executive Committee, I’ve contributed meaningfully to policy conversations and advocated for initiatives that enhance our academic and campus experience.
I am eager to continue this important work and bring continuity, experience, and representation to the table. I respectfully ask for your support as I seek re-election to continue serving in this capacity.
Executive Committee RBHS Student
Board of Governors Faculty Representative
Heather Pierce, Lecturer-New Brunswick (F)
It has been an honor to serve my colleagues as our faculty representative to the Board of Governors. I am running for reelection to continue the work I have started with my fellow board representatives on strengthening the relationship between the Senate and the Board and on elevating the voices of those who have been excluded from the decision-making structures and processes that affect our entire Rutgers community. I respectfully ask for your vote and continued support.
I bring to the table my knowledge and experience from other service roles, all of which have required developing partnerships across job categories and levels of management to get things done. In addition to serving on the Senate—including the EC and USGC, I also serve on the EC of the NB Faculty Council, as contract enforcement chair for the adjunct faculty union, as a member of the working group on governance for Rutgers’ MSCHE reaccreditation, and as the program director for the Rutgers FAST Fund. I also serve as a member of the NJAAUP executive board and as chair of the Highland Park Rent Control Board.
I am passionate about shared governance and the democratic inclusion of everyone in our institutional decisions. As an adjunct professor, I am acutely aware of the current threats to our academic system, and the structural challenges we face in confronting them. I am not afraid to speak truth to power, but more importantly, I am committed to building the relationships needed to effectively collaborate on solutions.
Board of Governors Student Representative
Safanya Searcy, School of Criminal Justice, Student
I am humbled to stand for re-election as Student Representative to the Board of Governors of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. It has been an honor to serve as the Student Representative to the Board of Governors for the last 2 academic year. During my tenure, I have been able to hear from students across our 3 chancellor-led units to bring the collective voices and concerns to the Board of Governors. As a member of the Committee on Student and Academic Affairs on the Board of Governors, I have been a vocal advocate on issues impacting students, from tuition & meal plan increases, to the creation of new degree programs, to examining the possibilities of creating more attractive education programs that will draw in non-traditional students. Should I be re-elected as the Student Representative to the Board of Governors, I commit to deepening my work with students from Camden, Newark and New Brunswick to bring their ideas and concerns to the Board and its committees, and will use innovative strategies to create a continuous flow for sharing information. I will be a bold representation for students at every level, ensuring that everyone respects us as the primary constituency of Rutgers University.
Board of Trustees Faculty Representative
Brian Householder, School of Communication and Information, Faculty (F)
Dear Members of the Nomination Committee,
I am pleased to nominate Dr. Brian Householder for the role of Faculty Senate Representative to the Board of Trustees at Rutgers University. Dr. Householder exemplifies academic excellence, student-centered leadership, and committed faculty advocacy.
As a scholar of interpersonal communication and persuasion, Dr. Householder brings intellectual rigor and deep insight into the dynamics of influence, collaboration, and civic discourse—skills essential to Board service. His research informs a thoughtful, strategic approach to problem-solving and policy deliberation.
In his role as Program Director, Dr. Householder has consistently championed student success, designing responsive curricula, promoting inclusive teaching, and advancing experiential learning. His leadership is collaborative and forward-thinking, earning the respect of both colleagues and students.
Equally important is his commitment to faculty well-being. Dr. Householder is a strong advocate for equitable teaching loads, flexible scheduling, and structures that support the full range of faculty responsibilities—teaching, research, service, and mentoring.
Dr. Householder’s unique combination of scholarly expertise, progressive leadership, and principled advocacy makes him exceptionally well-suited to represent the Faculty Senate. His ability to engage diverse perspectives, communicate effectively, and remain grounded in the values of equity and academic integrity will serve the university community well.
Thank you for your consideration of this nomination.
Tuğrul Özel, New Brunswick At-Large (F)
I am a Senator representing the New Brunswick Faculty and a Professor of Industrial Engineering, Rutgers University-New Brunswick. I successfully represented the Senate at the Board of Trustees during the 2022–2023 academic year and have actively served on the Committee on Academic and Student Affairs. I am now running for the position of Board of Trustees Representative and kindly seek your vote. At the Board of Trustees, I would strive to represent the Senate to the best of my ability and serve as an emissary for all members of the University community. I am committed to working collaboratively with the administration to help maintain Rutgers as a vibrant and inclusive academic institution.
I have been at Rutgers for 23 years, and I have always been a strong and open advocate for all constituents. Over my nine years of service at the Senate, I have contributed to the University Structure and Governance Committee and several ad hoc committees, including those on the Budget Freeze and Senate Communications. I served on the New Brunswick Faculty Council for nearly a decade—as a member, Vice Chair, Chair (for two consecutive years), and Immediate Past Chair. I believe I am the right person for this role—an ambassador who elevates the work of shared governance bodies; a dedicated educator; a celebrated researcher; and a journal editor since 2008.
Thank you for your support!
Wendy Purcell, School of Public Health (F)
I would be honored to continue to serve as the Faculty Representative to the Rutgers Board of Trustees, a position I was elected to for the 2024/25 cycle. As Co-Chair of the University Structure and Governance Committee, I bring to the Board of Trustees a deep understanding of governance matters. I have represented Senate interests on a number of issues at both the Board itself and the Committee on Academic and Students Affairs to which Senate representatives are assigned (a joint committee with the Board of Governors). In particular, I have addressed questions relating to financial sustainability, Board goals, multi-campus matters on student success and academic programs, MSCHE reaccreditation, and Senate representation. Having participated in one full cycle of the Board, I consider my effectiveness in service of Senate interests would be enhanced through a second term given the development of both insights and relationships across the past year. I am grateful for your kind consideration of my nomination and confirm my willingness to serve if elected.
Robert Schwartz, RBHS At-Large, Faculty (F)
Dear Senatorial Colleagues/Friends, I seek your support for the privilege of continuing as your voice, once again on the Board of Trustees! As chair of the Senate Faculty Caucus and co-chair of the Senate Academic Standards, Regulations, and Admissions Committee, we take on some of our institution’s most pressing challenges. Likewise, on the Rutgers Board of Trustees and the Senate Executive Committee, I fought vigorously for meaningful shared governance and transparency. As AAUP chapter secretary and longtime board member, I was at the table in pivotal contract negotiations. I am proud to have served two terms as Faculty Organization president. I worked hard to bring Rutgers together, including by testifying before the New Jersey Legislature to unite the health components into Rutgers. I will continue to fight so that your voice is heard and respected. I draw upon my many years on this faculty and my time at the University of California Berkeley in political science and then in public health. These experiences have taught me a lot, especially about social issues and how much we can achieve working together. My family is a Rutgers family. I met my wife in the faculty lounge; our son as a student was elected three times to the Senate Executive Committee. I enjoy helping and mentoring students and colleagues, collaborating with them on many projects. Thank you. I hope to have earned your vote.
Board of Trustees Undergraduate Student Representative
Chloe Tirino, Rutgers Business School:Undergraduate NB (S)
Hello, my name is Chloe Tirino and I am a rising senior majoring in Finance and Economics with a concentration in Entrepreneurship on the New Brunswick campus. For all three years, I’ve served on the University Senate, where I’ve been committed to strengthening the student voice and keeping our community informed. I attend each meeting attentively, contribute where student perspectives are needed, and deliver updates to the RBGA. I’ve also worked on SAC charges, such as enhancing Senate visibility through social media, contributing to conversations around academic freedom, and reviewing course requirement changes.
Looking ahead to my final year at Rutgers, I’m eager to give back in an even more meaningful way. Serving as the Undergraduate Student Representative to the Board of Trustees would be an incredible opportunity to advocate for students while engaging with the strategic and fiduciary responsibilities of the university. As someone who holds leadership positions across multiple organizations (Hult Prize, DECA, RBS Peer Mentor, Women BUILD), I’m deeply invested in student success, unafraid to speak up, and committed to being a thoughtful advocate in the room for those who aren’t always heard.
Last summer, I interned at an outsourced Chief Investment Office (OCIO) that supports endowments, nonprofits, and foundations – organizations governed by boards much like ours. This experience gave me insight into the long-term planning, and management that trustees are responsible for. While the undergraduate role is non-voting, I am committed to showing up, listening, and representing the Senate and students with integrity and purpose.
Board of Trustees Graduate Student Representative
Members of the Policy Approval Committee
Siatta Davis, Camden Staff
My name is Siatta Davis, Staff Senator for Camden. I am seeking re-election for a second term on the Policy Approval Committee.
I am honored to serve on the ABIDE Committee currently, the University Senate Election Committee, and the inaugural Policy Approval Committee.
As part of the policy approval process, I want to impress upon you that I understand the importance of the Senate’s involvement in shaping university-wide policy. I pledge to treat this responsibility with the necessary level of commitment and involvement for this role. I have the privilege of using my voice to ensure that inclusive and collaborative decision-making is a best practice that Rutgers readily adopts.
To hold myself accountable, I make it a point to remind myself of my purpose. When I decided to run for Senate, I did so with the intention to shape policy and elevate staff voices. With your support, I have made good on this promise. During my tenure, I have worked towards advancing policies for a tobacco-free institution and expanded DEI through establishing the ABIDE Committee. Most recently, my most significant point of pride is realizing inclusive representation for staff on the Board of Governors. Inclusive representation continues to be a pathway to reconcile public distrust in our beloved community. I am seeking your vote and support to help me to continue to shape policy and ensure that policies brought before the Policy Approval Committee will be examined in our best interest through shared governance. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Senator Siatta Davis