Jane Prescott-Smith

Prescott-Smith takes job with UA Libraries

Jane Prescott-Smith, managing director of the National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona, is leaving to become special assistant with the University of Arizona Libraries.

Prescott-Smith has served as managing director of the institute since it was established in May of 2011 after the mass Tucson-area shooting that killed six and wounded 13, including then-Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, on Jan. 8, 2011.

Prescott-Smith was the institute’s only employee during its first year. She was instrumental in establishing many of the institute’s programs to promote civil discourse including: Your Words Count, The Next Generation Project and much of the institute’s research work.

Before that, Prescott-Smith served in director positions at the Steele Children’s Research Center and at the Eller College of Management. She had been a marketing manager at Kraft Foods and a buyer for Macy’s and Federated Department Stores.

She holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s in economics from Stanford University.

In her new role, Prescott-Smith will conduct research, write, coordinate events and assist with development efforts for the UA Libraries.

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