Change Champion Network
Our purpose
The Change Champion Network is a university-wide coalition of faculty and staff (i.e., “Champions”) dedicated to supporting the successful implementation of transformational initiatives by serving as trusted conduits between their respective units (i.e., colleges and departments) and the University Transformation Office. Champions will help foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance of institutional change by actively listening, sharing insights, and building support for changes that align with CMU’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
Benefits to champions and units
- Early access to information about upcoming changes.
- Opportunity to shape change efforts and advocate for unit needs.
- Development of leadership, communication, and change management skills.
- Contribution to the long-term success of the University’s strategic transformation efforts.
Membership and structure
- Champions are nominated by college/unit leadership or volunteers with supervisor approval.
- Champions should represent diverse roles, functions, and perspectives across academic and administrative units.
- The Change Champion Network is facilitated by the UTO, with project-specific liaisons attending as needed.
Current champions
| Name | Title | Department | College / Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alyse Munishamaiah | Associate Director of Business and Community Outreach | Business and Community Outreach | Innovation and Online |
| Ann Kucera | Manager of Library Systems | Libraries - Library Systems | University Libraries |
| Anthony Chappaz | Professor - Director of STARLAB | Executive Director of the CMU-RC Innovation & Partnerships | SAM Director | Earth & Atmospheric Sciences | CSE |
| Drew Taylor | Technology Manager II | Office of Information Technology | President's Division |
| Grace Vandemark | Faculty, Political Science and Woman and Gender Studies | School of Politics, Society, Justice, and Public Service | CLASS |
| Heather Tubbs | Director of Advancement Operations and Budget | Advancement | Advancement |
| Jeff Angera | Professor, Chairperson | Human Development & Family Studies | CEHS |
| Jessica Goss | Associate Director of Campaign Strategy and Alignment | University Communications | President's Division |
| Jonathon Truitt | Professor of Latin American and World History | History, World Languages & Cultures | CLASS |
| Kate Hodgkins | Director Clinical Services Carls Center CHP | Carls Center for Clinical Care & Education | CHP |
| Kip Ferguson | Application Analyst and Trainer | Healthcare IT | CMED |
| Kirsten Weber | Faculty, Communications | School of Communication, Journalism & Media | CAM |
| Lizzie Vandorin | Senior Assistant Director Admissions | Admissions | SRR |
| Lori Driessnack | Associate Director of Student Services and Director of the Business Residential College | The HUB Student engagement and professional development | CBA |
| Luke Theis | Senior Assistant Director eSports | University Recreation | Student Affairs Division |
| Mark Taylor | Program Director for MHA/DHA | Health Administration | CHP |
| Nicole Barnes | Assistant Director of Enrollment | Online Student Services | Innovation and Online |
| Rachael Nelson | Assistant Dean, CHP | School of Health Sciences | CHP |
| Rob Wyman | Senior Associate AD Business & Facilities Operations | Athletics | Athletics |
| Shay Dawson | Faculty | Recreation, Parks & Leisure Services Administration | CEHS |
| Spenser Robinson | Entrepreneurship Chairperson and Director of Real Estate | Entrepreneurship | CBA |
| Steve Juris | Chair Academic Senate; Biology Professor | Biology | CSE |
| Wade Tomson | Associate Director of Campus Visits and Events | Admissions | SRR |
Role of the network
- Listen and Inform: Serve as a two-way communication channel between units and the UTO—bringing forward concerns, resistance points, suggestions, and success stories from the university community.
- Advocate for Change: Help generate awareness and build momentum for transformation initiatives by framing change in a constructive and inclusive way.
- Localize the Message: Translate university-level change efforts into contextually relevant information for colleges, departments, and teams.
- Support Readiness: Identify potential risks, knowledge gaps, and readiness challenges within units and help shape strategies to address them.
- Provide Feedback: Offer input on communication plans, training materials, implementation timelines, and process changes to help ensure efforts meet the needs of the campus community.
Responsibilities of Change Champions
- Attend regular Change Champion meetings (monthly or as needed) to receive updates and provide input.
- Share updates, resources, and messaging within their units.
- Bring forward feedback, questions, or concerns from colleagues.
- Model a positive, open-minded, solution-focused approach to change and serve as a trusted peer resource.
- Participate in training and/or information sessions on key initiatives.