Faculty Senate leadership looks ahead

By Janette Neuwahl Tannen [email protected] 09-02-2025

When Helen Bramlett first walked onto the University of Miami campus as a young neuroscientist, she never imagined that she would be leading the body that represents faculty voices across the University.

Yet now, as the new chair of the 49-member Faculty Senate, Bramlett brings more than 30 years of service, scholarship, and leadership to the role. The Faculty Senate shares governance of the University with the president and the Board of Trustees and includes elected senators from each school and college.

"I've always believed that service to the University is very important," said Bramlett, a professor of neurological surgery at the Miller School of Medicine, whose research has shown the benefits of therapeutic hypothermia for brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as heart attacks and other medical conditions. "The Faculty Senate has evolved into a strong partner with the administration and the Board of Trustees. Our goal is to make sure every voice-faculty, staff, and students-is heard as we shape the future of the U."

Bramlett takes the reins from JoNel Newman, professor of law and director of the Health Law Clinic, who served as Faculty Senate chair for the past three years and as a senate officer for nine years.

Joining Bramlett in leading the senate are two accomplished colleagues: Albert Varon, professor of anesthesiology at the Miller School and chief of anesthesiology at Ryder Trauma Center, as first vice chair; and Dorothy Hindman, an award-winning composer and associate professor at the Frost School of Music, who will serve as second vice chair.

Since the senate represents the University's more than 2,900 faculty members across all three campuses, their obligations are vast and include finalizing academic policies, approving new academic programs, centers, and institutes, as well as the annual reviews of deans and department chairs. The body is also responsible for safeguarding and updating the Faculty Manual, which is the faculty's contract with the University, and working closely with campus leaders to improve the academic experience.

Bramlett wants to ensure that faculty voices are heard as the institution continues to grow and evolve. Her graduate training in psychology, time serving as director of the undergraduate neuroscience program, and experience working in the Office of the Ombudsperson for the Miller School will help guide her through any conflicts that may arise, she said.

Along with her colleagues, Bramlett noted that she has seen the Faculty Senate become more transparent and collaborative in the past few years, forging closer ties with the University's president, the Office of the Provost, and the Board of Trustees. She said they even have a liaison to the Board of Trustees now, served by former chair Laurie Silvers, and current chair Manny Kadre regularly attends senate meetings.

"There's constant communication and a true commitment to shared governance," Bramlett said. "That's what makes this an exciting time to lead."

Hindman, who has served on the senate since 2012, echoed Bramlett's sentiments. This year, Hindman said she hopes to work on strengthening the role of lecturers, refining policies to be clearer, and making sure faculty understand the power and responsibility granted to them in the Faculty Manual.

"This administration listens. They value faculty voices and understand our needs," Hindman said. "We have a real opportunity right now to work together on meaningful solutions."

For Hindman, who once hesitated to take on leadership roles outside the classroom and her composing studio, the current environment motivated her to run for vice chair.

"It's not an easy time for higher education nationally, but we're in a place where collaboration between faculty and administration feels natural, honest, and productive," said Hindman, who is the first senate officer from the Frost School of Music. "I wanted to be a part of that."

Varon, who has spent more than 40 years at the U-from his residency in the early 1980s to his current leadership as professor and chief of anesthesiology at Ryder Trauma Center-sees his role as ensuring that all faculty voices, especially those of non-tenure-track clinicians and educators, are represented. This is his third year serving as a vice chair, although he has been part of the senate since 2017.

"We represent the faculty, so we want them to keep us informed about the issues that are important to them," said Varon. "And if the faculty have concerns, it's our job to bring these issues forward and make sure they're heard."

Varon balances his senate role with overseeing perioperative care at one of the busiest trauma centers in the nation, while also serving as vice chair for faculty development in the Department of Anesthesiology at the Miller School.

"UM has given me my professional life," he said. "Now it's my time to give back. I want to make sure the people who are caring for patients and training the next generation of health care professionals-many of whom are not tenure-track-have a voice in shaping this institution."

As Bramlett looks ahead to the coming year, she sees opportunities for progress on everything from course registration to parking and faculty development. But at its core, she said, the Faculty Senate is about fostering dialogue and strengthening the academic offerings of the University.

"I am very excited about this coming academic year," she said. "I think we will be able to accomplish a lot and to work well with both the Board of Trustees, the administration, and the faculty to improve on our academics and continue to make sure the UHealth system is thriving and expanding."

The next Faculty Senate meeting is Sept. 24 at 3:30 p.m. at the Faculty Club. President Joe Echevarria will host his biannual senate meeting on Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. via Zoom.