Distinguished Service Medallion 2016
SUSAN M. KIES
Board Meeting
July 21, 2016
AWARD THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES’ DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDALLION TO SUSAN M. KIES
The Trustees’ Distinguished Service Medallion was created to
recognize individuals whose contributions to the growth and development
of the University of Illinois, through extraordinary service or
benefaction, have been of unusual significance.
Today, it is recommended that the Distinguished Service Medallion be
awarded to Susan M. Kies, Secretary of the Board of Trustees and of the
University and her name be added to our esteemed roster of medallion
recipients.
Dr. Kies has served the University with distinction for more than two
decades, beginning her career at the University of Illinois in 1993 at
the College of Medicine. As an Instructor and Associate Dean in the
College, she nurtured and encouraged students with her continual
guidance and faith in their ability. She also shepherded new faculty
members with her deep understanding of the curriculum, policies, and
insight of the relationship that the regional campus in Urbana holds
with the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
On November 1, 2011, Dr. Kies began her appointment as Secretary of
the Board of Trustees and of the University Designate, and assumed the
position of Secretary of the Board and of the University, full-time on
February 1, 2012. She served in this important role until her recent
retirement on June 30, 2016.
Dr. Kies quickly understood the monumental task of the position of
Secretary of the Board and diligently supported the Board and
Administration in their role as the governing body of the University.
Her duties included, among other things, serving as an advisor to three
University presidents; interpreting Board policy to members of the
Board, the University community, and the public; and monitoring the use
of the seal of the University.
Dr. Kies approached the position of Secretary with limitless energy, a
positive attitude, and an unyielding loyalty to the legacy of the
University of Illinois.
In gratitude for her innumerable contributions, the Board of Trustees
takes great pride in presenting the Trustees’ Distinguished Service
Medallion to Susan M. Kies, a dedicated, admired, and esteemed colleague
and alumna of the University of Illinois.