Mallory Musolf
Workplace: Office of the Secretary of the Academic Staff
Role: Secretary of the Academic Staff
Pronouns: she/her
Briefly describe your role and key job responsibilities at UW–Madison
This summer I started in my role as the Secretary of the Academic Staff (SOAS), where I support academic staff governance activities and facilitate the work of the Academic Staff Executive Committee (ASEC), Standing Committees, and the Academic Staff Assembly. I also serve as a resource for the more than 12,000 academic staff members at UW–Madison, acting as a liaison between ASEC and university administration and assisting on any other matters related to shared governance. Since beginning my role, I’ve enjoyed meeting and reconnecting with academic staff colleagues across campus. I’m excited and honored to serve academic staff and look forward to supporting the continued success of academic staff shared governance at UW–Madison.
You’ve served on both the Academic Staff Assembly and the Academic Staff Executive Committee. What did you gain from your experience in governance activities at UW–Madison?
I have worked at UW–Madison since 2010 and during that time I have participated in governance activities, including four years as the assembly representative for District 440 in the Academic Staff Assembly and over six years on the Academic Staff Executive Committee (ASEC). Representing academic staff at the local level and at-large, I expanded my understanding and experience regarding the importance of the role academic staff participation play in large campus initiatives, as well as in the formation of campus policies and procedures. I also developed a strong understanding of key campus issues.
You’ve participated in the Academic Staff Institute, Academic Staff Chats, University Roundtable, Madison Academic Staff Network, and other Academic Staff activities. What was something you learned from these experiences?
There are several academic staff activities on campus. These experiences enabled me to work side-by-side with academic staff colleagues to develop professional development and networking opportunities for staff and problem-solve issues impacting staff at UW. I appreciate having these opportunities, particularly in the way it creates spaces for academic staff to support one another and recognize and celebrate the work of academic staff. They are also important for fostering a positive workplace climate.
What is your favorite place on campus or favorite way to take a break from screens?
Favorite way to take a break from screens: I enjoy taking walks on campus and there are many interesting paths to take. The Lakeshore Path is a favorite for having a “walking meeting” and to decompress. Now that I’m at Bascom, I’ve made it a point to stroll through Botany Gardens on my way to and from the office.
Please share any hobbies, sports, arts and crafts, or leisure activities you are passionate about
As a lifelong learner, I read and travel and endeavor to perfect a new skill on occasion. Growing up I danced competitively and played volleyball and I continue to do both for fun in Madison!
What is the latest concert, performance, or art exhibit you attended? Book you read? Series you streamed or movie you saw? What did you think or share about the experience?
This summer I saw Into the Woods, a production organized by the Platteville Summer Arts Festival (PSAF) and performed at UW–Platteville. It’s my second PSAF musical, and the primary draw was to support a friend who had a lead role (both years). Each time I was reminded of the value and positive impact of community arts/theatre. In this instance, it’s also a great way to explore another part of our state.
If you do volunteer, what got you involved or what do you love about it?
I enjoy contributing to my community. In Madison, I volunteer at a food and personal essentials pantry with a friend. I also help organize Expanding Your Horizons (EYH), a day-long career exploration conference for young women or non-binary youth in middle school interested in careers in math, science, and engineering. Shameless plug: for those interested in learning about EYH, please visit https://eyh.wisc.edu/.
If you are comfortable sharing, and if applicable, tell us a little bit about your family, kids, partner, pets, etc.
I live on the East Side of Madison with my partner, Kevin, who also works on campus as a multimedia designer. Together, we travel, garden and go biking with our senior pup, Bizzy! She’s a 14-year-old mini-dachshund, who helps till the garden and reaps her reward later in the summer by picking and sampling cherry tomatoes all on her own.