Dean of students finalists announced

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has narrowed its search for a new dean of students to three finalists.

A 12-member search and screen committee made up of faculty, academic staff and student representatives presented the list of unranked finalists today (Dec. 7) to Chancellor John Wiley and Provost Patrick Farrell.

The committee was chaired by David Nelson, professor of biochemistry and director of the Center for Biology Education, and student Katrina Flores.

The finalists are:

Lori Berquam, interim dean of students at UW–Madison. Prior to being named interim dean, Berquam served as associate dean of students and as an assistant director of University Housing.

She holds an undergraduate degree from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State) and a master’s degree from UW-La Crosse. She’s currently pursuing Ph.D. courses in higher education at UW–Madison.

Timothy Gordon, associate dean of student services and registration in the School of Continuing Studies at Northwestern University. Gordon has also held positions as director of the Office of New Student Programs & Orientation at Columbia College of Chicago and as coordinator of academic services and learning communities in the University College at Illinois State University.

He holds an undergraduate and master’s degree from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D from Illinois State University.

Brian Rose, associate vice president for student affairs at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. He has also held positions as director of judicial affairs, compliance and student policy concerns, as well serving as an assistant dean of students. Prior to starting his career in higher education, he worked as an attorney.

Rose holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Georgetown University.

Campus visits by the finalists are expected to begin early in the spring semester. The visits will bring the finalists into contact with a wide cross-section of campus life, including interviews and question and answer sessions open to students, faculty and staff. More information will be announced as the visits are scheduled.

Following the visits, Wiley and Farrell will make a decision, with the goal of having the permanent dean start as soon as possible.

“I want to thank the search committee for their work in presenting us with an outstanding group of finalists,” says Wiley. “We will ensure that the campus community has every opportunity to meet, ask questions and discuss student life with these finalists.”

The new dean will succeed Luoluo Hong, who left the office in 2005 to join Arizona State University.

The dean of students serves as UW–Madison’s chief student affairs officer, playing an important role in promoting diversity and campus climate, welcoming and orienting new students, and providing support and crisis services.

More information on the search is available online.