Elena Gaudio joined WMU in 1987, working in legal affairs, collective bargaining and, most recently, the Department of Spanish. Elena provides administrative support to the president and his assistant, serving as the initial point of contact for inquiries and concerns of students, faculty, staff and the community. She manages office operations, budgets and payroll.

Jon worked for five years in information technology for the College of Health and Human Services until graduating from WMU’s College of Aviation in 2006. He moved to his current position of assistant to the president in August 2006. Jon’s duties include keeping the president’s calendar, working with internal and external organizations who wish to meet with the president, responding to student issues, and coordinating various campus projects.

Betty Kocher has been in the president’s office since 1980. She provides executive and administrative support and assistance to the Board of Trustees and serves as primary liaison between the board and the Office of the President. She also serves as co-chair of the commencement committee.

Shannon Landis began her career at Western Michigan University in catering in 1994. She became the coordinator of donor relations and special events in the Development Office in 1999 and moved to her current position in 2005. Shannon coordinates many Universitywide celebrations and presidential events. She also serves as a resource to the University community for planning events.