Do you know who represents you on Staff Council? Many staff members have told us they’d like to learn more about their representatives. The Councilor Spotlight series is intended to introduce new Council members and how they serve the University on Staff Council. Why would you want to contact your representative? They can elevate your concerns or ideas, help you find information, and connect you with resources across campus. Click here to find your representative.

Staff Council Spotlight: Monica Smith
Function Representative, Behavioral Health; Health Care

Meet Monica Smith, Assistant Nurse Manager on the 6JC Neurology/Neurosurgery Inpatient Unit, whose 30‑year career at the University has been marked by compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication to patients, families, and staff.

Monica serves as a Staff Council Function Representative for Behavioral Health & Health Care and contributes her expertise on the Awards and Education Committees. Her goal during her term is to broaden her impact—serving a more global community and gaining deeper insight into how Staff Council can strengthen the staff experience across the University.

With three decades of service, Monica is known for her steady presence, thoughtful leadership, and her commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for multidisciplinary staff. She draws inspiration from her son, her team, and the patients and families she serves—each motivating her daily to continue improving care and connection.

Outside of work, Monica is all about movement, joy, and time with loved ones. She spends her free time with family, friends, and her pup, and she enjoys staying active through regular exercise and gym time. Her favorite local spot? Hickory Hill Park, a place where she enjoys peace, nature, and the chance to recharge.

A perfect day for Monica includes simple pleasures: a good workout, relaxing outdoors with her dog and a great book, and savoring an ice‑cold Pepsi in a glass with “the good ice” (IYKYK). Evenings are best spent grilling with family and friends, then winding down with a fire, games, or a movie.

If she had a theme song, you’d hear “Welcome to the Jungle” playing as she walks into a room—inviting anyone to interpret the meaning as they wish. And if she could choose a superpower, Monica would pick super luck, trusting the universe to deliver exactly what’s needed—or telekinesis, because with that skill, “you can do just about anything.”

Learn more about our other new Councilors and the latest news for University staff in our newsletter articles here.