During the recent academic year, the department welcomed two new members to its office staff. Jade Stephens joined in September as an Office Specialist, offering comprehensive support to faculty, staff, and students, with additional responsibilities for the undergraduate program and assisting the accounting team. She succeeds Kayla Engel, who transitioned to the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance on campus. Originally from Indiana, Jade is married and a parent to three children, daughters Charlie and Macie, and son, Dalton.

In the spring, Cassady Murphree joined the Shared Services North Accounting team, focusing on department accounts receivable and payable. She will also provide grant reporting support for the High Energy Physics group, a role previously held by Pamela Anderson, who has retired. Cassady replaces Krysta Wise, who moved to the private sector. Having relocated from New York, Cassady's spouse is employed at Manhattan's National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). She enjoys gardening and the peaceful atmosphere of the Midwest, a change from the bustling environment of New York.