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.

Meet Lisa Smith, Director of Student Experience for Graduate and Professional Programs in the Tippie College of Business. Lisa brings a decade of service, deep program expertise, and a passion for community-building to her role on Staff Council.

Lisa works closely with Tippie’s working professional students—supporting MBA, MSBA, MSFIN, and certificate programs. This year, she joins Staff Council as the organizational representative for the College of Business, serving on both the HR Committee and the Education Committee.

For Lisa, joining Staff Council is a natural next step after completing a three‑year term on Tippie’s Elected Staff Council—where she served as co‑chair for two years. She shares:

“I’m excited to build connections and help support staff on a larger scale. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that an active staff council can have on workplace culture and staff advocacy.”

Outside of work, Lisa loves spending time with her husband, Daniel, and their two children—Owen (6) and Piper (3). Their family has become loyal members of the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, a favorite weekend adventure, especially with two kids who are “very into” sea creatures. Closer to home, you’ll often find them exploring Kent Park on nature walks.

Her idea of a perfect day? A nap—simple and strategic.

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