March 6, 2024

Executive Council Representative of the Month: Gary Viers

The Faculty Assembly is starting this web column to celebrate the outstanding service contributions made by our faculty governance leaders and recognize their fine accomplishments with the whole campus community. 

Three Executive Council members are recognized this month. The Faculty Assembly office had an opportunity to interview one of our Executive Council Representatives. Let’s hear their story. 

More stories will be coming!

Gary Viers 

Associate Teaching Professor 

Director, Undergraduate Programs 

Milgard School of Business 

 

Faculty Governance Experience 

I am currently serving as a Faculty Assembly Executive Council Representative. I am also serving on the Ad-Hoc Safety Committee. 

 

1.  What motivated you to serve in Faculty Governance? 

I have served as the Chair of the Faculty Council for the Milgard School of Business. I felt it was a natural progression to serve in a faculty governance role at the campus level. 

2. What valuable experiences did you gain by serving for faculty governance? 

I am still in my first year in this role, but I have had many positive interactions and knowledge-sharing opportunities with faculty from a variety of disciplines. I look forward to serving with my fellow colleagues to effect positive outcomes for the entire UWT community. 

3. What advice would you give for Faculty interested in being a part of Faculty Governance? 

I believe that each of us has something unique to offer. To achieve fulfillment in our careers and lives, it is important to be of service, offering our time and talents for the greater good. Service at the faculty governance level allows us to enter into a learning environment where we can join with our peers in a spirit of unity, respect, and mutual collaboration. 

4. When did you join University of Washington Tacoma? What is the best part of your Tacoma experience?   

I am an alumnus of UW Tacoma. I graduated with BABA-Accounting and MAcc degrees in 2012 & 2013, respectively. I was a part-time lecturer from 2014-2017. In the Autumn of 2017, I accepted a full-time position with the Milgard School of Business. 

The best part of my UW Tacoma experience is working with students! My passion is to help them achieve the dreams and goals they are working towards. UW Tacoma has changed my life in many positive ways. I share this amazing part of my journey to encourage students and help them see the possibilities that are available here. 

I would like to extend a huge thank you to FA Chair Huatong Sun and all of my fellow colleagues for their efforts to make UW Tacoma a happy and healthy place to be!