Smith appointed secretary of the faculty at UW-Madison

Steven K. Smith, associate director of the Global Studies program, has been named the new secretary of the faculty.

The Office of the Secretary of the Faculty facilitates the effective functioning of shared governance at UW–Madison through its logistical and administrative assistance to the faculty and to the administration. Smith will begin his new position on Monday, July 7.

“Steve Smith recognizes the crucial role that the secretary of the faculty plays in our system of shared governance,” says Chancellor Rebecca Blank. “His long history of collaborations across multiple disciplines will be a key asset as he assists the university in supporting world-class faculty during changing times.”

Smith will replace William Heiss, who served as interim secretary of the faculty since January. Previously, Andrea Poehling served in the role.

“The secretary of the faculty position originally attracted me because I see it as an opportunity to take my extensive UW administrative and academic experience and skills acquired working at the departmental level to serve the broader campus,” says Smith. “I look forward to the challenges and excitement of working across campus on a variety of issues and with a wide array of faculty and staff.”

English Professor Michael Bernard-Donals, recently named vice provost for faculty and staff, led the five-member search committee. Other members included Mark Cook, professor of animal science; Jo Ellen Fair, professor of journalism and mass communication and chair of the University Committee; Judith Burstyn, professor of chemistry and pharmacology; and Brad Barham, professor of agricultural and applied economics.

Each member of the committee has served as chair of the University Committee, the executive committee of the Faculty Senate. Working with the Faculty Senate and University Committee will be one of Smith’s central responsibilities.

“Steve has all of the qualities that we looked for in the ideal candidate for secretary of the faculty,” says Bernard-Donals. “He has experience across many divisions of the university, talent as a manager, familiarity with all aspects of faculty work, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of and a deep dedication to shared governance.”