Skip to main content

Accessibility menu

Skip to main content Skip to footer

Retiring regent recognized for supporting university’s mission

Posted 5:16 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2013

La Crosse Attorney Brent Smith has supported UW-La Crosse — and higher education — throughout his nearly decade on the UW System Board of Regents. Now he has a degree from the campus too.

[caption id="attachment_3745" align="alignright" width="550"]Brent Smith speaking at UW-L's commencement. Brent Smith, former president of the Board of Regents, accepted an honorary degree at UW-L's May commencement.[/caption] La Crosse Attorney Brent Smith has supported UW-La Crosse — and higher education — throughout his nearly decade on the UW System Board of Regents. Now he has a degree from the campus too. Smith received an Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-L during commencement Sunday, May 19, at the La Crosse Center. The honorary degree is given to those who merit special recognition for exceptional achievement and distinction in a field or activity supporting the mission of the university. Smith is no stranger to supporting higher education and public service. Gov. Jim Doyle appointed him to serve on the Wisconsin Technical College Board in 2003, a position he held until 2012. Smith served on the UW Board of Regents from May 1, 2004-May 1, 2013. During his last year, he served as president of the board. Statewide, Smith has served on the Wisconsin Federal Nominating Commission and the Wisconsin State Elections Board. Locally, Smith chairs the La Crosse Center Board of Directors. He also serves on the board of directors for the Gundersen Health Plan, La Crosse Loggers and Great Rivers United Way. He serves on the UW-L Chancellor’s Community Council and has received the UW-L Chancellor’s Award. Smith has been an attorney with Johns, Flaherty & Collins S.C. in La Crosse since 1978. He is a member of the La Crosse County Bar Association and Wisconsin State Bar Association, along with numerous other attorney-related professional organizations. Smith graduated from UW Madison with a bachelor’s degree in 1975 and a jurist degree in 1978.

Permalink

Share your news suggestions

Submit your news suggestions using UWL Share by no later than noon on Wednesdays preceding the next Monday's edition.

For more information, contact University Marketing & Communications at 608.785.8487.