Welcome to our third annual Staff Elevated Conference. This year, our theme, “Moving Mountains,” is intended to help us understand that we can do great things even in times of uncertainty and change. This conference encourages our staff to gather to learn new skills, develop existing ones, and network with each other across the state. We are excited to see everyone “move mountains!”
Registration & Important Deadlines
Proposal Deadline
February 15th
Registration Deadline
May 6th
Registration includes signing up for sessions, the Luncheon, and the final tours.
The Keynote, Closing Remarks, and Resource Fair are open to all staff regardless of registration. Registration is required to access any available Zoom links and to attend lunch.
Please note the PDF will not be updated. Check the registration portal for any changes.
Conference Committee
Alex Ziegler
Senior
Isaac Morris
Junior
Allyssa Keogh
Statewide
Tayler Mountford
Statewide & Extension Senior
Day 1: May 19th
1:30 PM | Welcoming Session (Hybrid) – EBB 215
Join us for our welcoming session and the Employee of the Year awarding.
3:00 PM | Session 1
Zoom Only
Sean Peterson
Scaling New Heights with Zoom: Tools You Didn’t Know You Had
With Zoom’s rapid pace of updates, even frequent users may be surprised by what it can do. This session explores underused and newer Zoom features that go beyond meetings to support collaboration, productivity, and engagement, including tools like tasks, documents, and AI-powered features.
Hybrid
Leanna Lammert
Moving Mountains without Burning Out
HH 130
When work feels nonstop, and everything seems urgent, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This session offers practical tools to help staff manage heavy workloads, shifting priorities, and busy seasons without burning out. Participants will learn simple ways to identify true urgency, reset priorities, communicate capacity, and make small habit changes that support well-being while continuing to do meaningful work.
In-Person
Erika Danielle Lindstrom
Holding Space and Holding Responsibility: Supporting Survivors as a Mandated Reporter
HH 160
This presentation explores how higher education professionals can respond compassionately and ethically to disclosures of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse while fulfilling their mandated reporting responsibilities. Grounded in trauma-informed practice, the session will focus on language, boundaries, and decision-making that prioritize survivor autonomy, safety, and trust without misrepresenting legal obligations. Participants will leave with practical strategies for navigating disclosures, clearly communicating reporting requirements, and connecting survivors to appropriate resources, ensuring care is offered in ways that minimize harm and uphold institutional and legal responsibilities.
In-Person
Lauren Cordova
“Piñata Makers Studio: From Cardboard to Celebration (Step-By-Step)”
HH 170
To empower participants to create memorable, festive piñatas using low‑waste, budget‑friendly methods by repurposing cardboard and common craft supplies from home. This hands-on class teaches sustainable crafting techniques while encouraging creativity, connection, and fun, resulting in a personalized piñata to enjoy with family and friends.
In-Person
Jose Brandao Delgado
“Food Preservation Basics: Safe Home Canning for Beginners”
HH 180
This introductory session focuses on the basics of home food preservation, with an emphasis on safe, science-based canning practices. Participants will learn key food safety principles, common mistakes to avoid, and how to identify Extension-approved resources to confidently preserve foods at home.
4:00 PM | Aggie Ice Cream Social
Aggie Ice Cream sponsored by the Huntsman School of Business. Join us for a treat and the chance to visit with your peers!
Day 2: May 20th
9:00 AM | Session 2
Zoom Only
Leslie Buxton
The Mountain Movers: Using 1:1s and Check-Ins to Drive Performance
Moving mountains doesn’t happen all at once—it happens through consistent, intentional conversations. This session clarifies the difference between effective 1:1s and performance check-ins, explores how each supports employee growth and accountability, and provides guidance on using the performance check-in software to support meaningful, forward-moving conversations.
Hybrid
Scott Davis
Aggie Safe Protective Actions – How it Affects YOU!
HH 130
USU Public Safety has developed four protective actions that Aggie Alerts will tell Staff, Faculty and Students what to do during an emergency. We are trying to spread the word as much as possible.
In-Person
Shari Peterson & Katherine Bates
The Blue Shelf Society: Discussion on Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
HH 160
The Blue Shelf Society is a USU Book Club that discusses books that focus on leadership, teamwork, management, and personal development. We are from a variety of departments and welcome all. This discussion will focus on one of the books we read in 2025, Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell. This format will be in a book club discussion style.
In-Person
Kaylee Westhora
A Recipe for Emotional Intelligence: What Cheesecake Can Teach Us About Feelings
HH 170
Wish you knew just a little more about emotional intelligence? Are you a fan of cheesecake? Join me as we explore ideas based on Marc A Brackett's book "Permission to Feel" and help you take the first step to becoming an expert on emotions. This presentation will be packed with research-based ideas, opportunities to practice what you're learning, creative ways to remember concepts, and homemade cheesecake samples!
In-Person
Makenna Pahlke
USU Equine Experience: Building Community Through Equine-Assisted Services
HH 180
USU Equine Experience illustrates how Extension-based Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) can “move mountains” by removing barriers to education, wellness, and community engagement. This presentation highlights innovative EAS programming that integrates adaptive horsemanship, equine-assisted learning, mindfulness-based practices, literacy support, and services for veterans, first responders, and families. Grounded in evidence-informed practice and strong safety and ethical standards, these programs demonstrate the unique benefits of EAS, including improved emotional regulation, confidence, physical engagement, social connection, and skill development. Attendees will learn how Extension can leverage EAS as a scalable, interdisciplinary tool to build community resilience, develop workforce pathways, and create meaningful impact across diverse populations.
10:00 AM | Session 3
Zoom Only
Alex Ziseger
“All About the USU Botanical Gardens”
Join us to learn the inner workings, and neat facts about USU’s Botanical Gardens located in Kaysville.
Hybrid
Audrey Juhazs
“Building Better Surveys”
HH 130
Surveys often seem like an easy way to gather feedback. But designing a good survey is harder than it looks. Poorly crafted surveys can frustrate respondents and lead to data you can’t use. Join us to learn practical tips for avoiding common pitfalls, improving your existing surveys, and exploring new question types that can make your next survey more effective.
In-Person
Alyssa Regis
“Modern Apothecary: Teas and Salves for Your Individual Health Journey”
HH 160
Come have a cup of tea with me and learn about the power of plants! We'll do a quiz to determine your constitution and talk about the basics of herbal medicine. Topics will include herbs for nerves, digestion, and seasonal illness. I'll demonstrate how to craft basic herbal teas and salves to bolster your physical and mental health. You'll leave with a handout of recipes and resources so you feel confident making a cup of your own!
In-Person
Lexie Richins-Peterson
Getting Projects Done Without Losing Your Mind
HH 170
Getting Projects Done Without Losing Your Mind is an interactive session for anyone navigating work in a project-driven world. Participants will explore why projects fail and what successful projects do differently. Together, we’ll practice building project plans with tools that can be used again and again.
In-Person
Andy Allen
“Achieving Resiliency to Thrive NOT Just Survive in Life, Work, and Home -- Lessons Learned from a 26 Year Army Career That Included Combat Tours in Iraq & Afghanistan”
HH 180
The topic is to address how it's possible through developing the attribute of resiliency to thrive in life, at work, and at home, even if that life is filled with opposition, trials, and hard things.
I will present ideas about how to develop & practice resiliency, based on how the military trains its soldiers to develop resiliency. I will give personal examples of opposition, trials, and hard things I've faced in life, at work, and at home, and how the attribute of resiliency helped me overcome and thrive.
The goal is for everyone in attendance to see that they don't have to succumb and be overcome by opposition, trials, and hard things, but that they can, through the exercise of resiliency, thrive in life, at work, and at home and become exceedingly successful and happy
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Luncheon & Staff Resource Fair
Luncheon in the TSC Ballroom – Please check in at the door.
Staff Resource Fair in the TSC Lounges – Open to all staff regardless of registration!
2:00 PM | Session 4
Zoom Only
Calissa Chandler
“Hacking the Hub: The ‘I Wish I Knew That’ Guide for MyUSU”
Map, dashboards, and groups—oh my! Level up your MyUSU game with insider hacks designed to boost your organization's visibility and resources. This won't be just a list of features, but a big-picture guide on how to best utilize MyUSU.
Zoom Only
Ricky Flores, Dana Rhoades, Pedram Jahangiry & Ellie Angus
“One View: The Power Dashboard for Statewide Marketing”
See the new Statewide Campus marketing insights dashboard in action - built through the collaboration of Statewide Marketing, Statewide Campus Administration, and the Analytics Solutions Center.
Hybrid
JoLynne Lyon
“Defining Success After Taking Time Off from Your Career”
HH 130
I'd like to speak to the people who have had to leave their jobs for whatever reason: having a baby, needing to be a caregiver to parents, needing to care for your own health. I am one of those people, and I know how it affected my confidence, leaving the working world for a completely different one, and then coming back. I'd like to talk about how success may look different for people with different goals, and some strategies for reintegration when you are ready to rejoin the workforce.
In-Person
Lauren Schrek
“How to Use a Fire Extinguisher”
HH 160
Join our USU Fire Marshalls to learn more about fire extinguishers, and how to use them!
3:00 PM | Session 5
Zoom Only
Sarah Sabey
Just One Person: My Role in Creating a Sustainable World
We are here to provide attendees with specific, clear habits they can adopt to live in a more environmentally sustainable way. The focus will be to inspire hope in the future, confidence in a person's actions and individual impact, and a clearer understanding of what sustainability looks like in action.
Hybrid
Reed Phinisey & Nathan Philips
“The 9 to 5 Reset”
HH 130
In this interactive session we will review how our modern lifestyle factors (work, adulting, etc.) affect our physical wellbeing and the ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADL's). We will look to show participants easy to use, repeatable assessment tools and interventions to combat these effects in the hopes of feeling better, moving better and living a healthier life!
In-Person
Isaac Morris, Makena Christiansen, Tara Martin, Emma Butt & Elaine Lance
“Building the Perfect Event”
HH 160
Join the Office of Events Conferencing & Registration Teams to build the perfect event. We will walk through a mock event and show all the possibilities for venues, equipment setup, registration, and more. Even for departments looking to start new events, this session will give you the tools you didn't know you needed.
In-Person
Ethan Gilliam
“Providing Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training to Utah Producers and Creating Connections”
HH 170
As Utah BQA State Coordinator, I have focused on expanding the program’s reach through producer education and certification, achieving 484 certified producers since January 2024—a 95% increase over the prior year. These certifications reflect stronger cattle handling, improved beef quality, and enhanced animal welfare across the state. My peers elected me to the National BQA Advisory Group, and I’ve been part of the national Spanish translation team—helping adapt core materials for Spanish-speaking producers. The BQA curriculum covers ten chapters, and I concentrate especially on biosecurity and cattle handling.
In-Person
Tessie Bridges
“Calm Under Pressure: Practical Tools for Workplace Stress”
HH 180
This presentation focuses on practical tools to help manage stress during the workday. Many people carry tension without realizing it, especially after meetings, deadlines, or difficult conversations. In this session, participants will learn brief reset techniques they can use at their desks, after a meeting, or before moving on to the next task. The goal is for attendees to leave with clear, usable strategies they can apply immediately to feel steadier and more focused throughout the day.
4:00 PM | Keynote Session (Hybrid) - EBB 215
Join us for our keynote session with USU President Brad L. Mortensen.
Day 3: May 21st
8:00 AM | Pastries & Morning Beverages
Join us in the lobby by the Welcome Table for morning pastries and warm beverages! Sponsored by Human Resources.
8:30 AM | Session 6
Zoom Only
Sydney Dahle
Anyone Can Write: Creative Writing in a Nutshell!
Anyone can be a writer, and this workshop is here to prove it. We will cover the core building blocks of creative writing while focusing on the practical act of putting words on the page. Participants will experiment with voice, character, and scene, learn how to get past self-doubt, and practice revising without losing the heart of their work. No prior experience required; curiosity is the only prerequisite.
Hybrid (Computer Lab)
Ian Anderson & Lindsay Farnworth
Walking in Their Shoes: Experiencing the New USU Application in Salesforce
HH Computer Lab
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to move through Utah State University’s recruitment and admissions process as a prospective student? In this interactive session, participants will step into the role of a future Aggie and experience the full journey firsthand. Attendees will explore degree programs, complete the brand-new application built in Salesforce, receive an admissions decision, and take initial steps toward enrollment at Utah State University.
In-Person
Scott Bell
“AI at USU: Practical Tools, Smart Use, and Protecting What Matters”
HH 160
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we teach, research, and work. Knowing where to start and how to use these tools responsibly can be challenging. This session will introduce how modern AI tools work at a practical level, highlight the AI resources available at Utah State University, and provide clear guidance on protecting university and student data while using AI. Attendees will leave with a strong foundation in AI concepts, an understanding of USU-specific policies and tools, and actionable next steps they can use immediately to improve productivity and workflows, with optional pathways for those who want to explore more advanced use cases.
In-Person
Megan Cox & David Pruden
Scaling Accessibility: How Small Changes Move Big Mountains
HH 170
Accessibility can feel like a mountain, but every staff member has the power to help move it. In this session, we’ll highlight how small, intentional actions in your daily work can remove barriers for students, employees, and visitors. You’ll learn simple approaches that build toward meaningful change and discover how your role—no matter where you work on campus—contributes to an accessible experience.
In-Person
Matt Huntington
“Life-Saving Skills: Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Response”
HH 180
Overdose does not discriminate and does not only affect people who use drugs recreationally. This training prepares individuals to identify an overdose, respond appropriately, and administer naloxone, helping ensure that our campus is ready to act when seconds matter most.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Tours
Please gather at your meeting place 15–30 minutes prior to your tour starting. For off-campus tours, meet 30 minutes before and arrive at the location at least 10 minutes ahead of time. SEA will provide transportation for off-campus locations.
Space Dynamics Lab
Meeting Time: 9:30–9:45 AM
Meeting Place: TSC Roundabout
Take the Minibus to the SDL Labs. All attendees must arrive by 9:50 AM and bring a government ID and close-toed shoes.
Veterinary Medical Education Building
Meeting Time: 9:30–9:45 AM
Meeting Place: TSC Roundabout
Take the Minibus. All attendees must arrive by 9:50 AM and wear eye coverings (glasses or goggles) and close-toed shoes. Eye coverings will be available.
Athletics Facilities
Meeting Time: 9:30–9:45 AM
Meeting Place: TSC Roundabout
Take the Minibus. All attendees must arrive by 9:50 AM at West Stadium. Join the Athletics department on a tour of the different athletics facilities!
Special Collections & Archives
Meeting Place: Merrill-Cazier Library Basement
Two tours available: 10:00–10:25 AM and 10:30–10:55 AM. Meet just outside the Special Collections and Archives. Note: SCA has specific rules regarding bags and other items.
Landscaping Tour
Meeting Times: 9:45 AM / 10:20 AM
Meeting Place: TSC Patio
Join Dane Gyllenskog for a landscaping tour of campus. First tour: 10:00–10:25 AM. Second tour: 10:30–10:55 AM.
Steam Tunnels
Meeting Time: 9:45 AM
Meeting Place: TSC Patio
Join Jerry Petterborg on a tour of the USU Steam Tunnels!
Closed toes shoes are required.
Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art
Meeting Times: 9:45 AM / 10:15 AM
Meeting Place: NEHMA Lobby
Two tours: 10:00–10:25 AM and 10:30–10:55 AM. Join Danielle Stewart for a guided tour of the museum and its current exhibitions.
Active Decision-Making Training
Meeting Time: 9:45 AM
Meeting Place: EBB 215 (Hybrid)
Join Tanya Comer for training on Active Decision-Making.
Self-Guided Tours
- USU Geology Museum
- USU Anthropology Museum
- NEHMA (Guided and unguided optional)
- Logan Campus Sculpture Walk
11:30 AM | Closing Remarks – EBB 215 (Hybrid)
Closing remarks by Benjamin Baksis, SEA President.
Staying Overnight? Here Are Some Local Favorites!
Local Eats
Logan
- Ruby’s Pizzeria and Grill
- Tandoori Oven
- Himalayan Flavor
- Black Pearl
- Takara Sushi
- Texas Roadhouse
- Pollo Azteca
- Beehive Pub and Grill
- Chili’s Grill and Bar
- Cooks Underground
- The Vessel Kitchen
- El Salvador Los Primos
Smithfield
- El Castillo
- La Unica
- Stonefire Pizzeria
Local Hangouts
- The Cache Bar
- Barrell and Stave Wine and Whiskey Bar
- Westside Coffee
- Café Ibis
- Le Croissant
- Grounds for Coffee
Local Hotels
- Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham
- Best Western Plus Weston Inn
- La Quinta Inn & Suites
- Comfort Inn & Suites Logan Near University
- Quality Inn Logan Near University
- Super 8 by Wyndham Logan
- Hampton Inn & Suites Logan
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Logan
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Logan
- University Inn at Logan Main Campus