Chuka Okose

Student Assistant, Staff Senate

How long have you worked at UNT?

I have worked at UNT since May 2019.

What is your department and what does your position entail?

I work as a Student Assistant to Staff Senate. My work entails that I attend Senate and Executive Committee meetings and assist with meeting preparations. I manage and update the Staff Senate shared drive, which includes member details, election results, minutes and all organizational documents. I assist with the planning and implementation of Staff Senate projects and events. I also perform other duties assigned.

What do you like about your position?

There are a lot of things I like about my position. I like that it gives me so much as an international student and I am continually learning. My position makes interaction with various university entities possible. I like that my employer makes me feel valued and appreciates what I do.

Staff Senators are the voice of the staff. They fight for them and ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. At Staff Senate meetings, I see them do this all the time and with great passion too. You would think they are paid extra to do this, but they are not. It takes selflessness and sacrifice to do what they do, and it makes me strive to become the best version of myself. It makes me want to do more.

What is your favorite place to eat on or around campus?

Kitchen West! The food there is good and affordable, and the staff is amazing. Also, going to Kitchen West allows me make the most of my lunch breaks as I can easily walk there from my office.

Tell us something about yourself!

I am married to a remarkable woman and we have two lovely daughters. I do really miss them a lot. I am studying for an MBA in Business Analytics and I graduate this fall. Before I came to UNT, I was working in a bank in Nigeria. I would describe myself as eclectic in terms of the things I enjoy and the versatility of my skill set. My philosophy of life and work ethic is guided by integrity and a willingness to go the extra mile to make a positive difference. I think everyone in my family got this ethic from my dad. I have learned to have an open mind and give people a chance without having pre-conceived notions about them. I enjoy long nature hikes, exploring different cultures and helping others out through volunteer work. Really looking forward to the journey ahead after my graduation.