Webster University Names Laura Olson Rein University Secretary

Laura Olson Rein has been named University Secretary at Webster University, the only Tier-1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university serving 21,000 students with a network of international residential campuses. In this position Rein will support the governance functions of Webster President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble and the Board of Trustees. She will assume this new position on Aug. 1. Rein currently serves as Dean of the University Library, Director of the Faculty Development Center at Webster and Editor of the Webster University Press.

As Rein establishes this Office of the University Secretary formal office, she will be responsible for managing all official correspondence with trustees, maintaining official records of all trustee and trustee committee meetings, keeping official records of actions taken by trustees and providing assistance in interpreting policies and matters of jurisdiction and governance. The University Secretary also will coordinate the President's activities with institutional event planners, high-level search committees, and committees and individuals addressing issues of institutional governance, such as privacy, security, equity and communications. She will act as a member of the President’s Administrative Council.

"During our nationwide search, it became clear that individuals who are most successful in the role of University Secretary are those with longstanding institutional history and commitment to the local community," said President Stroble. "Laura Rein certainly possesses these key characteristics, and both Provost Julian Schuster and I encouraged her to apply for the position. We are glad that she did. During her 16-year career at Webster University, Laura has demonstrated a proven track record of strong leadership and organizational skills, the ability to work with integrity on sensitive issues, and extensive experience in policy development."

"I am delighted that someone like Laura, with her in-depth knowledge of this great institution and her familiarity with its emerging new organizational structure and alignment, has agreed to fill this important role at Webster," said Provost Schuster. "I look forward to continuing to work with Laura in her new position."

"I am both humbled and honored to accept this position to serve the University in achieving its mission and vision, working directly with the President, the Provost and Senior Vice President, the Board of Trustees and the Administrative Council as we enhance the university's commitment to global academic and operational excellence," Rein said.

Rein joined Webster in 1995 as director of the Eden-Webster Library, which was the joint library of Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary. She was named dean of the University Library and director of Webster's Faculty Development Center in 2003. In 2007, Rein was named Editor in Chief of the newly established Webster University Press, which serves as a vehicle to disseminate scholarly, educational, and creative works that support the University's academic mission.

Under Rein's administration, the library received special recognition during comprehensive reaccreditation visits by the Higher Learning Commission. In addition, Rein was a co-project director for a $1.75 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education that established the Faculty Development Center and helped fund the technology infrastructure of the state-of-the-art Emerson Library. Together, the library and FDC have served as an important catalyst for the continued development of academic excellence at Webster University.

Rein has served as a consultant-evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission since 2001. Last year she received the Missouri Library Association's Ronald Bohley Award for her work to promote cooperative activities among libraries. Rein was recently tapped to lead the Global Leadership Academy, a newly designed Webster program reflecting the institution’s investments in building the Webster worldwide community's capacity for leadership, both collectively and individually.

With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is the only Tier 1, private, non-profit U.S.-based university providing a network of international residential campuses.  Founded in 1915, Webster University’s campus network today includes more than 100 metropolitan, military and corporate locations around the world, as well as traditional campuses in Asia, Europe and North America. The university is committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences that transform students for global citizenship and individual excellence.

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