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From the University Record: Clinical professor Lauren B. Smith elected to fill out SACUA term

By Anastazia Hartman | February 24

Clinical professor Lauren B. Smith elected to fill out SACUA term

By Genevieve Monsma

Lauren B. Smith, a clinical professor of pathology in the Medical School, has been elected to fill a vacancy on the nine-member Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs, the executive arm of U-M’s central faculty governance system.

Smith replaces Heather O’Malley, an assistant research scientist of pharmacology in the Medical School, who left the university.

The Senate Assembly, the system’s elected legislative arm, established a three-week nomination period for the open position earlier this year, and elected Smith during the week of Feb. 9 in a special election. Smith ran against three other nominees: Jakob McSparron, a clinical professor of internal medicine in the Medical School; Kimberly Saks, associate professor of political science at UM-Flint, and Craig Smith, a senior associate librarian at University Library.

“As your advocate, I will bring my experience as a 20-year clinical professor and my insight as the daughter of a nontenure-track faculty member (Stamps School of Art),” Smith said in her candidate statement.

“I am a pathologist and ethicist who specializes in diagnosing leukemias and lymphomas, and I frequently address complex ethical issues in medical care with mediation skills. This is a critical time when academic freedom is at stake. I support peaceful protest and science-based medical care, and I understand the importance of shared governance. In an era when courage is essential, I will listen to diverse perspectives and fight for our shared values and interests.”

Smith’s term began on Feb. 16 and will run through April 30, 2026. The seat will also be one of three on SACUA to be filled in an annual election by the Senate Assembly next month for a 2026-29 term. The three new members’ terms will begin May 1, 2026.

 
faculty hematopathology clinical pathology
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