UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Laura Pauley, interim executive director of the Penn State Faculty Senate and professor of mechanical engineering, has been named the senate’s permanent executive director, effective June 1.
Pauley first assumed the role on an interim basis on Jan. 3, succeeding former senate director Dawn Blasko. Pauley was a senator for 28 years, including chairing multiple committees and serving as Faculty Senate secretary.
“Dr. Pauley brings years of experience and knowledge as senator, professor and scholar to her role as the executive director of the Faculty Senate,” said Penn State Executive Vice President and Provost Nick Jones. “The senate has benefitted considerably from her dedication and expertise, and I thank her for continuing to help the Faculty Senate fulfill its mission in the shared governance of our University.”
As executive director of the senate, Pauley is responsible for overseeing all senate office functions, including supervising a staff of seven and supporting and facilitating the senate in the performance of its duties. She provides comprehensive support to Faculty Senate leadership, oversees the annual election of senate officers, collaborates with campus leadership and administration, leads the creation of the senate’s annual publications, and plays a central administrative role in the senate’s work as a representative and legislative body.
Pauley’s service with the Faculty Senate began in 1993, and she served as the senate secretary for the 2015-16 academic year. She has held additional senate leadership positions, including University Planning Committee chair, Educational Equity and Campus Environment Committee chair and Undergraduate Education Committee chair. She was a member of the Senate Council, chaired the Engineering Caucus and twice served as a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the President.
A researcher who studies energy systems and thermal and fluid sciences, Pauley has been recognized with the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society’s Premier Teaching Award, Outstanding Teaching Award and Outstanding Advising Award, as well as with the University’s Undergraduate Program Leadership Award.