CHaSS Student Senator

Celeste Rodriguez is a senior from Parker, Colorado. She is in her final semester here at USU studying political science and journalism. Celeste is currently serving as the 2021-2022 CHaSS Senator. In her position, she has worked on legislation for a faculty & staff DEI toolkit, advocated for women on campus, and fought for better sexual assault resources for students. She has loved her time at USU and being part of CHaSS.

Ambassadors

Student Council

Neil Abercrombie

Neil is a small-town kid from Idaho who somehow grew up a fan of the Oakland A’s and The Cure. As a freshman at USU, Neil fell in love with politics in Professor Mike Lyons class and followed that passion with two different student internships in Washington, D.C. Neil earned a bachelor’s degree from USU in law and constitutional studies in 2002 and a master’s degree from USU in political science the following year. He went on to receive a doctoral degree in political science at the University of Utah in 2009. In 2010, Neil began directing USU’s government relations on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City and Washington, D.C. He also led the IOGP and helped prepare USU students for great internship opportunities. Neil is now the senior advisor for legislative affairs and policy in the governor’s office.

Laurel Cannon Alder

Laurel Cannon Alder grew up in Logan, Utah and earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and sciences from Utah State in 1992. After graduation, she received the Jane Addams Fellowship at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy and obtained her M.A. in Arts Administration from IU-Bloomington. Following her time at IU-Bloomington, Laurel began a career with the Utah Arts Council, directing efforts to strengthen rural cultural arts development through improved fundraising strategies and strategic leadership consultation. Utilizing her passion for public engagement and support, Laurel founded Utah’s annual Philanthropy Day. Laurel also spent a few years fundraising in public and private sectors for public television and education, as well as grass roots and capital campaigns. Eventually, she returned to the Utah Division of Arts and Museums where she manages the grants program, teaches the Change Leader program, and provides support to arts agencies throughout Utah. Throughout her career, Laurel has generously given time and resources to her alma mater, Utah State University. She has served on nu- merous university boards and councils including the USU Board of Trustees, the Caine College of the Arts Dean’s Advancement Council, and the Alumni Association Advisory Board. In 2014, Cannon Alder and her husband Nate Alder were recognized as USU’s Alumni of the Year. She is currently serving a two-year term on the USU Foundation Board in an ex officio capacity. Outside the arts and a life dedicated to service, Cannon Alder enjoys hiking and biking in the mountains of Utah and spending time with her family.

Michael McCullough

Diane Calloway-Graham
Social Work

Diane focused on social work during her undergraduate and graduate education, beginning with a bachelor’s degree at Weber State University in 1975 with an emphasis in social work. After receiving her MSW (1983) and PhD (1990) in social work from the University of Utah, she was hired as an assistant professor and field practicum director at Utah State University in 1990. In 1996, she was promoted to associated professor and again in 2016 to full professor. From 1997 to 2003, she served as director of the social work program along with other important roles. Diane has always been invested in the public good, and her experience in social work is more than just her career —it’s her calling. 

Richard Sherlock
Communication Studies and Philosophy

Richard Sherlock, Professor of Philosophy was hired at USU in November 2003 with advanced training in theology, ethics, and philosophy. He received his Master of Theological Studies and Ph.D. at Harvard University. His philosophical interests include the concept of conscience, early modern arguments for religious toleration, and ethical and conceptual issues in biotechnology.

Darla Moore
World Languages and Cultures

Darla started working for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in July of 2008. She has served as a staff member for the previous Department of Languages, Philosophy and Communication Studies and currently worksas a staff member for the new Department of World Languages and Cultures. During her time in CHaSS, she has conducted the department’s language placement tests and maintained its website. Darla has also worked on the CEA and PEA boards, as well as the Dean’s CHaSS Staff Advisory Committee. She’s excited to move onto her next adventure, whatever that might be.

Kathy McKee
World Languages and Cultures

Kathy began working at USU in March of 1992 and spent ten years in the Controller’s Office before moving to the old Department of Languages, Philosophy and Communication Studies. She serves as a business assistant for her department and CHaSS Business Services, which she was instrumental in implementing within CHaSS. During the college’s reorganization, she helped split the LPCS department into its current configuration. Kathy’s colleagues agree that Kathy is an invaluable source of information for staff and faculty within the college. It has been said there is life after work, and after 30 years of service, Kathy is excited to start a new phase of her life and see if that is really true.

Lt. Col. Brian Yoder
Aerospace Studies

Lt. Col. Richard J. Reed is the commander of US Air Force’s ROTC Detachment 860 at Utah State University where he serves as a professor of aerospace science. He is responsible for instructing and leading over 140 cadets on their path toward commissioning into the United States Air Force. He previously served as commander of the 377th Force Support Squadron, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico where he led an over 495-person team in providing manpower, personnel support and other important services to the Team Kirtland community. Reed worked as an Afghan/Pakistan Hands liaison for four years starting in 2010, during which time he served two 365-day tours to Afghanistan. In his first tour to Afghanistan, he was responsible for four Afghan provinces where he mentored Afghan provincial governmental reintegration teams and provincial peace councils. During his second tour, Reed advised the Afghan Air Force’s Personnel and Force Management sections to help build the first independently sustainable Afghan Air Force. Reed is married to his wife, Jenifer and has four children, Haley (28), Megan (27), Alexis (23) and Austin (19). He served 4 years enlisted as an army medic in Fort Knox, Kentucky and South Korea. In March 2001, Reed received a commission in the USAF as a U.S. Air Force Officer Training School graduate after reaching the rank of NCO. Before becoming the USU Detachment 860 Commander, he was a squadron commander, MEPS commander, air advisor in the AFPAK Hands program and served in numerous personnel related positions including base deployment manager and deployed deputy squadron commander.