Classified Senate Board
President--Valerie Exum
Hi, I am Valerie Exum. I am the current president of the Classified Senate at Napa Valley College. In my 27 years at NVC, I have had many roles—student, student worker, Instructional Assistant II & III, Admissions & Records Clerk, Assistant Registrar, and an Adjunct Faculty member. I have been on several committees and been a Stewart in the Union. While working at NVC, I have earned three Associate degrees, a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, a California Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential (concentration in Business), and a Master's in Education (concentration in Curriculum and Instruction).
I am excited about this new venture and look forward to helping bring Napa Valley College forward.
Vice President--Jan Schardt
I am Jan Schardt, I began my career here at NVC as a student worker, then an hourly substitute, to being hired as a classified staff member in 1981. In my 31 plus years here at NVC I have seen change, cycles of poor budgets, improved budgets and 5 college presidents (not counting the interims). In addition I have been and am very active in our Unions chapter and at the Local and International Union level. I have my Bachelors of Science degree from Pacific Union College in Business Administration and a Masters in Organizational Management from University of Phoenix. I am honored to serve as your Vice President.
Treasurer--Karen Smith
My job here at Napa Valley College is to help students, faculty and staff with their computers, software, network, printer and phone issues.
Secretary--Valerie Mull
My name is Valerie Mull, and I began my career at Napa Valley College as a re-entry student in 1990. I work in the Financial Aid/EOPS unit, first as a student worker, then an hourly, and in 1995 became a Classified employee. I earned an A.S. in Accounting at NVC, followed by a B.A. in Management from Pacific Union College. I have been fortunate to participate in campus activities in a variety of capacities over the years, including Secretary for the Classified Union, various campus committees, and now as Classified Senate Secretary. You will most likely recognize me with future Guide Dog Tassel at my side. I am thankful for the support the entire campus community has shown for this effort.
Senator of Ad Hoc Assignments and NVCACP President
Cristine Vasquez
In Spring 2008, I was teaching part-time at St. Apollinaris School when I got the call that NVC was interested in hiring me full-time as a division secretary. I had just moved from the Philippines the year before and was excited at the possibility of finally establishing myself in the US. While my work at NVC is very different from my previous background (I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of the Philippines, worked as a project manager for an architectural conservation project, and curated for museum exhibits), the acceptance and collegiality that I received from the staff and faculty made it easy for me to ease into the College culture.
I am excited to be able to advocate for classified staff in both Senate and Union settings, with my respective roles as Senator of Ad Hoc Assignments and Classified Union President. In my spare time (I do have some), I sing with the Napa Valley College Chorale and train the Afro-Brazilian martial art Capoeira.
Senators of Social Committee
Donnelle Estrada
Malia Palu
Hello everyone. I have been with Napa Valley College 11 years, through this time my kids have grown and flown, and blessed me with two grandkids.
Folks, this year must be my year! I have the best assignment (I believe) of the Classified Senate, the Social Committee, teamed up with Senate veteran Donnelle Estrada, guided by President Valerie Exum . For the next couple of years, I get to plan fun stuff, legitimately, for all Classified staff to participate in. In my 11 years here, Classified staff has consistently proven that we know how, and want to, have fun but don’t make the time for it. We have a few fun events planned year round, so please, make a resolution to come out and enjoy all the events with good eats, to honor YOU! Cheers, Malia Palu.
Senators of Professional Development
Edward Beanes
My name is Edward Beanes, and I have been with Napa Valley College for 7 years. As the former Classified Senate President, I am excited about our new board and the importance of shared governance on campus. I have my B.A. from The University of Oregon, and my M.A. from CSU Humboldt both in Sociology. I will be working along with Michelle Burhorn, to ensure our classified staff are provided opportunities that will inform, raise awareness, and provide growth and learning here at NVC.
As we know, the times are challenging and have been difficult for all our team here at NVC. I do feel however, that we have an opportunity to seize the moment and bring to light new and fresh energy that will foster growth for all classified professionals. NVC is an institution of higher education. Education that provides learning for all participants, students, staff, administrators etc. Hence, the senators of professional development will work cooperatively and closely with other constituent groups and build relationships, establish partnerships, and forge ahead new beginnings for our classified staff and for the entire staff here at Napa Valley College. Thank you for your support and I look forward to assisting and supporting our mission and objectives.
Con ganas, si se puede! (with desire, we can do it!)
Senators of Fundraising
Tuela Huerta