August 2014

Baxter Named New Senate Director

Hilary Baxter has been named executive director of the systemwide Academic Senate, effective Sept. 1.

Baxter, currently assistant director of Academic Planning in Institutional Research and Academic Planning, has served at OP for more than 20 years in areas including academic program review, accreditation, undergraduate education and self-supporting programs. She has also worked on professional degree supplemental tuition, Master Plan issues and legislative analysis as well as relations with the California State University, the California Community Colleges (CCC) and the former California Postsecondary Education Commission.

“Hilary comes to the Senate with a deep understanding of UC policy, planning and programs acquired during her long career at the Office of the President,” said Academic Senate Chair William Jacob.

Baxter has staffed a variety of special task forces and events, including a UC-wide conference on Academic Engagement in 2012 and the Educational Effectiveness Task Force in 2009. At the Provost’s request, she represented the university last fall on the CCC Baccalaureate Degree Study Group.

She now serves as the systemwide liaison to the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, UCOP liaison to campus vice provosts/deans for undergraduate education and as consultant to the Senate’s University Committee on Educational Policy and Coordinating Committee for Graduate Affairs.

Baxter succeeds Martha Winnacker, who is retiring from the university and working with her to assure a smooth transition.