Campus Connection

[caption id="attachment_23102" align="alignleft" width="168"] Brent Smith[/caption]

Retiring regent recognized for supporting university’s mission

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 will have a degree from the campus too. Smith will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree from UW-L during the 2 p.m. commencement ceremony 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.