Elizabeth (Bax) Smith has been named chief of staff for Missouri University of Science and Technology and will begin her duties on Monday, Feb. 2.

Smith will serve in a high-level leadership position, not only managing the chancellor’s office but also representing the office with various constituents, including Missouri S&T divisions and units; the general officers of the University of Missouri System; and community leaders.

“I am delighted that Elizabeth will be joining our team,” says Missouri S&T Chancellor Cheryl B. Schrader. “Her expertise, her passion for our mission and her professionalism make her a perfect fit for this vital role. I am confident that Elizabeth will enable the chancellor’s office and the university to accelerate progress toward our bold vision.”

Smith comes to Missouri S&T from the Hawthorn Foundation, a not-for-profit organization based in Jefferson City that assists in the economic development work of the executive branch of Missouri state government. Among her many duties as executive director for the foundation, she was responsible for managing communications and relationships among entities with highly diverse political objectives.

Prior to her work with the Hawthorn Foundation, Smith served as executive director of the Rolla Regional Economic Commission and project manager for the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Smith was selected following an extensive, nationwide search led by an 11-member search committee. Joan Nesbitt, Missouri S&T’s vice chancellor for University Advancement, served as chair of the committee.

Smith holds a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University and a bachelor’s in political science and public law, also from NIU. She is a certified economic developer and has received numerous honors, including the Governor’s Award for Economic Development Preparedness.

Smith’s other duties as chief of staff will include managing initiatives emanating from the chancellor’s office; representing the chancellor in various administrative matters; and working with Missouri S&T faculty, staff and partners on major projects and initiatives.