Name: Nicole Jennings
Workplace: Department of Surgery
Role: Chief Administrative Officer
What are your role and job responsibilities at UW–Madison?
As Chief Administrative Officer, I provide strategic and operational leadership, while partnering closely with the Department Chair, Division Chairs, Vice Chairs, and our team of staff leaders. Every day is different, which makes the work exciting. I’m leading at the intersection of the Department, SMPH, and UW Health, and my work may cut across financial management, research, education, administration, communications, HR, compliance, strategic planning, etc. I often say that it’s a role where I’m leading and working on the biggest challenges and the biggest opportunities.
What is the coolest, most interesting, or rewarding project you have worked on?
Developing and launching the Department of Surgery Weikel LEADS leadership development program has been, and continues to be, incredibly rewarding. This biennial program prepares the next generation of leaders through an engaging, cross-disciplinary learning experience. We bring together Department faculty, staff, residents, and Advanced Practice Providers to help them understand how our department, UW Health, and the university operate. We get to demystify processes and programs, while building cohorts of leaders who would not otherwise get to engage in their day-to-day work. It is an incredible representation of partnership between UW–Madison, SMPH, UW Health, and community partners. And thanks to the generous support of the Weikel family, we can sustain this important program.
Have you served or are you currently serving on an Academic Staff Committee? Which committee?
I joined the Nominating Committee in 2022 and am in my second term of service. I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from across campus and help recruit and recognize Academic Staff for committee service opportunities.
What is your favorite place on campus or favorite way to take a break from screens?
I love the Lakeshore Path. I’ve walked many miles there in the 16 years I’ve lived in Madison! I enjoy how the lakeshore and the path change with the seasons and it’s always refreshing to get outside and enjoy our beautiful campus.
Do you have any hobbies?
I enjoy playing tennis and started taking lessons at the Nielsen Tennis Stadium a few years ago. RecWell offers a great tennis program, and it’s been a wonderful physical, mental, and social activity. I also love to read, travel, cook, and bake. We have a six-month-old Labrador puppy, so he’s taking a lot of time and energy right now for training!
What is the latest or greatest concert, performance, or art exhibit you attended?
This winter we’ve enjoyed attending the Two Crows Theatre Company performances in Spring Green. It’s been a fun way to support the community, the arts, and see some of the American Players Theatre core company members in unique productions.
Are you involved in any professional societies?
I serve as Past President of the Association of Academic Surgery Administrators Board of Directors. This is a national organization of 300+ members from academic surgical departments across the country. It has been rewarding to connect with colleagues, learn about other institutions, share best practices, and support one another in leadership development. I served as Vice President and then last year as President.
If you are comfortable sharing, and if applicable, tell us about your family, partner, kids, pets, etc.
My husband, Phil, is a graduate of the UW Law School and is a lawyer, corporate pilot, and helicopter pilot. We have three Labradors: Tucker (12.5 years old), Olaf (6 years old), and Tucker (6 months old). Yes, two dogs named Tucker—it’s a long story!
Anything else you would like your UW–Madison colleagues to know about you?
I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work and serve at UW–Madison. It’s an incredible university, and an inspiring and collaborative environment.