Laura Snow knows a little bit about being special assistant to the University of Utah president.
She saw her father, R.J. Snow, fulfill the role during the first part of President David Gardner’s term in the 1970s?now she will get a chance of her own.
U President Bernie Machen named Laura Snow his new special assistant Monday.
The appointment is subject to the formal approval by the U Board of Trustees, which meets on Dec. 10.
If approved, Snow will replace Michael Benson, who is leaving the U to become president of Snow College.
“It is kind of ironic that she is now doing the job her dad did, talk about coming full circle,” Benson said. “She certainly comes from a family of true U supporters.”
As the special assistant, Snow will help Machen on issues he labels pertinent to his administration, which could involve donors, alumni, community members and U employees. She would help coordinate campus visits by national or international guests and represent the president on community and education groups.
“The beauty of this job is that Bernie will let her carve out some of the issues herself,” said Benson, who worked on light rail, LDS Church relations, the interfaith chapel and commencement during his time as special assistant.
Snow will also serve as the secretary to the university. In this capacity, she will work closely with the Trustees. She will schedule the meetings and develop the agenda.
The prospect of the new position excites Snow, who has worked at the U for the past 10 years after she finished her degree here.
“This is a terrific professional challenge,” she said.
Snow expects her first semester to be a challenge, with the Winter Olympics beginning in February.
“It will be such a unique semester,” she said.
Benson believes Snow’s previous university experience will prepare her to fulfill her responsibilities “both pre- and post-Olympics.”
Snow has most recently worked in the division of Academic Outreach and Continuing Education developing educational travel programs. She has also worked as a coordinator of international programs in the U’s International Center.
This international experience will help Snow host campus visitors.
“One component I was trying to impress to Bernie [Machen] is to improve our international hosting services,” Benson said. “Her international experience will server her really well.”