I find my role fulfilling because I believe that the work we are all doing here together can make a positive difference in our communities and the world.
Meet Kayla Driscoll! Working for the department for nearly nine years, Kayla is the associate director of faculty services and works closely with the chair to track departmental, L&S, and campus initiatives and deadlines, plan governance committee meetings; and oversee faculty services such as promotions, evaluations, and awards. She helps the chair stay organized by managing all of the moving parts. She also acts as a liaison to communicate needs, ideas, and concerns to the chair. “In addition to my role in the chair’s office,” Kayla explains, “I am also the supervisor of the amazingly talented and hardworking administrative assistant team.” They together manage a wide range of faculty and graduate student services such as the seminar program, graduate student & faculty recruiting, tenure promotions, research symposiums, travel, reimbursements, and path meetings. To Kayla, the rewards for working in the department are the relationships she has built with colleagues. “The Chemistry Department is filled with passionate, dedicated, and hardworking people who are all trying their best to have a positive impact within their teams and the services they provide,” Kayla writes. “Our forward-thinking and innovative culture is truly motivating and inspiring to be part of.” Before UW, Kayla worked for an international wellness company in the dual role of operations manager and executive assistant. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her daughter, Rhiannon. They enjoy hikes (with the goal of completing the Ice Age Trail) bike rides, checking out new restaurants, going to Madison community festivals, and having dance parties in the living room.