University of Utah : S.J. Quinney College of Law

Matthew K. Hemsley

Executive Assistant, Deans Office

Matt Hemsley, Executive Assistant to deans Chodosh and Adler, performs such a wide-spanning range of functions at the Quinney College that one might be forgiven for simply terming him the  man who keeps dozens of balls in the air.  He is the resident resource and information manager with responsibilities that include a slice of everything; you name it he probably does it, did it, or will have it done by next Monday. His job role with the deans is amorphic, ever-changing and he wouldn't have it any other way. Hemsley maintains a dizzying pace but says he enjoys it because  it 's rare that you have an opportunity to be involved with projects of this magnitude and on a level that Dean Chodosh and our outstanding faculty have brought to the college of law. I live for this kind of stuff; the work we engage in here extends beyond the classroom and the academic sphere, we are trailblazing and carving out a niche of leadership for our graduates and ourselves.

In 2006, Hemsley earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah with research interests involving fundraising, venture philanthropy, non-governmental organizations (NGO), public-private sector collaboration, and volunteer management. He has undergraduate degrees in Organizational Communication and Media Production from the University of Houston with an additional degree in Art from Montgomery College, all with high or highest honors. All of his academic pursuits have been intertwined with his interests in community relations, communications, and project management that culminate in his current position with the deans.

Before working with the dean's office Matt spent over two years with the Pro Bono Initiative at the S.J. Quinney College of Law. In that position, he learned a great deal about the functioning of the Quinney College that helps him in his current job. As he notes,  my existing relationships with faculty, staff, and administration allowed me to hit the ground running. Each day I am reminded that I could not accomplish all of the tasks on my plate without the constant support of our various departments.  His work as a program coordinator with the Pro Bono Initiative also allowed for an immersive experience that exposed him to various levels of community outreach and university-sponsored programs in the legal arena. He reflects that,  The orientation and nature of work done in the Pro Bono Initiative office provided me with insight into the legal needs of those in our immediate community and allowed me to develop an awareness of the impact our students can have in their various capacities.  

Since joining the dean's office in April 2007, Hemsley has been involved in many aspects of college administration. As executive assistant to the dean, he works collectively with all departments at the S.J. Quinney College of Law and university administration to keep up with the rapid pace of change on campus. With all of the expanding programs and projects here, Hemsley revels in the speed and scope of the college's current accomplishments and those that are just around the corner, "I work with some of the most talented people in the world. How can one not be excited to go to work when you are surrounded by brilliant people that encourage and enable change, inculcate a responsibility to our community, and create a voice for Utah on a global level?"

Between juggling projects and his multiple deadlines Matt dedicates time to enjoy life outside of work. He readily admits that the original draw to pursue his graduate work at the U was driven by the recreational opportunities of Utah. Growing up as a native San Diegan, a Houstonian via a family relocation, Matt is an outdoor enthusiast and does not miss the humidity of the Gulf Coast. If he cannot be found in his office or in a meeting across campus he is rightfully on his next adventure of rock climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, hiking, trail running, or just plain travelling. When not dangling from a rock face or enjoying a day on the slopes Hemsley is easily spotted behind a barbeque or trying out a new restaurant in town.

At the end of a typical day, when asked for a concise statement describing himself and his work, Hemsley, with a smile on his face and a raised eyebrow, simply stated that  my life, my work, my interests are all about the adventure, the great dichotomy of planned spontaneity and developing the newfound skill to fly by the seat of my pants.  That last skill is admittedly a direct result of his current job and reinforced by the amount of time he actually sits in his office chair. Don't worry if he's not there when you stop by, he probably just left and will be back five minutes later than the sticky note on his desk promises.