UM System announced Monday that Zora Mulligan has been hired to replace Bob Schwartz as chief of staff.
Schwartz has also served as the [interim dean of the MU College of Engineering and the system’s custodian of records since Sept. 1](https://www.themaneater.com/stories/2014/6/19/engineering-dean-steps-down-after-20-years/) and will continue both roles until a new dean is hired.
Mulligan will start her new position on Oct. 20 with a starting salary of $165,000.
UM System spokesman John Fougere said Mulligan will serve as a trusted advisor to UM System President Tim Wolfe, and act as a liaison between Wolfe, the Board of Curators and officers across the system.
“I think that it is always helpful to see how institutions will move forward with higher education and policy,” Mulligan said. “I will be representing (Wolfe) in external committees … there will be a combination of working with the President to carry initiatives and external representation (to help the institutions with strategic planning).”
Mulligan said she believes she was hired for her passion for education and extensive track record in higher education institutions.
Mulligan currently serves as executive director for the Missouri Community College Association, a development and advocacy organization that represents the 12 community colleges in Missouri. She has also worked for the Missouri Department of Higher Education and the Missouri attorney general’s office in the past.
“Throughout my career, I have worked very hard to implement major changes,” Mulligan said. “My first professional job was working with the Missouri Department of Higher Education, where I got good educational policy experience.”
Fougere said Mulligan will also take leadership roles in executing the system’s strategic plans, which are aimed at supporting the strengths of the four UM campuses, encouraging collaboration between the four institutions, ensuring efficient use of resources and advocating for the support of higher education for Missourians.
“I am really excited about working with and getting to know students and look forward to the position,” Mulligan said.
