B. Renae Milton may work behind the scenes for the University of Houston’s Staff Council, but she has a starring role in its daily operations.

While members of the council come and go, Milton, the council’s program coordinator, consistently supports its president and sub-committees. She also oversees the council’s budget, coordinates its meetings and serves as the council’s primary contact.

Milton, a one-time council member and a UH staffer for 19 years, said she also has the unofficial role of “ice breaker” for new council members.

“I’m a people person, so I love to meet new members,” she said. “Sometimes, they’re hesitant to become involved, but I make suggestions as to how they can best participate. If I notice a person’s strengths in certain areas, I’ll recommend that he or she work with a particular committee or project.”

Milton’s position restricts her from serving on committees, voting at meetings and providing direct input toward the council’s policies and goals. Regardless, her administrative assistance has proven invaluable.

“She’s been very committed to staff goals and has been very important to achieving these goals,” said Joe Papick, Staff Council president and director of the Child Welfare Education Program in the Graduate School of Social Work. “She’s consistent when it comes to leadership, support and knowledge of the university’s processes.”

Before lending her talents to Staff Council, Milton worked in a variety of departments at UH, including Registration and Academic Records, Human Resources, Research and Intellectual Properties and Philosophy.

During her five years with Staff Council, Milton has witnessed a number of success stories. Among those was the debut and continued success of Cougar First Impressions, an annual program that welcomes students to campus each fall. She was particularly happy, however, when the university set aside $300,000 for the staff scholarship program that kicked off in fall 2004.

“Seeing that money come through was great,” she said. “I started working here and wanted to finish my degree, but the funds weren’t always available. I eventually did it, and now, it makes me happy to see other staff members pursue their academic goals with assistance from this institution.”

Milton received a bachelor of science degree in industrial supervision from UH’s College of Technology and plans to pursue a master’s degree in the near future. She was the first of eight children in her family to graduate from college and now, shares her passion for learning with her family, friends and other staff members. Her oldest son, Jarrett, is a recent graduate of Texas Southern University and is now pursuing a Master of Business Administration.

“I started encouraging my sons to go to college when they were about five years-old,” she said. “I asked them where they wanted to be and where they wanted to go in life. It always helps to have someone support you.”

Milton’s role with Staff Council is a perfect match for her outgoing personality and administrative know-how. According to Milton, the constant interaction with the diverse campus community provides her with an ongoing education outside of the classroom.

“It’s important to communicate with anybody and everybody,” she said. “Getting involved and being able to help someone is important, no matter who they are or where they’re from. At UH, staff members have the opportunity to know and to grow. With so many people from different cultures, we all have a chance to learn a little each day just by talking to someone.”

Mike Emery
memery@central.uh.edu