New Staff Council
President DaNesha Allen

DaNesha Allen, an executive administrative assistant in the Division of Administration and Finance, has been elected president of the University of Houston Staff Council for the 2021-2022 term.

Allen, who grew up in Missouri City, earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UH and is currently pursuing her MBA here. She has worked at UH for the past three years. Along with her Staff Council duties, she serves as the Campus Carry Coordinator for the Division’s Safety & Security Advisory Committee.

She was recently recognized as the winner of the Edwin R. Golden Inclusive Excellence by the National Association of College Auxiliary Services for her work promoting diversity and inclusivity through various initiatives, including spearheading the Staff Council’s “Why I Vote” campaign.

“Among our goals for Staff Council are supporting the University’s public health and community outreach initiatives,” she said. “We are also nurturing partnerships to support student success through building on our signature events like Cougar First Impressions.”

Allen also observed that the council is “now finalizing our own strategic plan, S.T.A.N.D.S., that aligns with UH’s broader mission and strategic plan.” The acronym, she explained, stands for “Service. Training. Advocacy. Networking. Diversity. Sustainability.”

Outside of work, Allen enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two children – a 7-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter. “I also enjoy traveling,” she said, “and I am a self-proclaimed food connoisseur.”