Joeres named interim head of Nelson Institute

Erhard Joeres, professor of civil and environmental engineering and environmental studies, will become interim director of the Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies when the current director, Thomas M. Yuill, retires Jan. 27.

Joeres, who is chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will serve from the time Yuill retires until a permanent replacement is chosen. A search and screen committee has begun a nationwide search.

“The Nelson Institute is a wonderful part of the UW–Madison campus,” Joeres says. “I look forward to the challenge of leading the institute and continuing the hard work put forth for so many years by Tom Yuill.”

Joeres joined the UW–Madison faculty in 1970, and has been associated with the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies for more than two decades. He most recently served as chair of the institute’s academic programs, following earlier service as the chair of the institute’s Water Resources Management, Land Resources and Air Resources Management programs. He is also on the faculty of the Energy Analysis and Policy Program.

Joeres’ salary as interim director will be $121,220.

The Institute for Environmental Studies was created in 1970 to promote and enhance interdisciplinary environmental instruction, research and outreach. The institute was renamed last spring in honor of former Wisconsin governor and U.S. senator Gaylord Nelson, a lifelong champion of environmental stewardship and the founder of Earth Day.

Approximately 150 professors from more than 50 UW–Madison departments are affiliated with the Nelson Institute, which administers several degree and certificate programs. The institute also houses three research centers and offers more than 100 courses in cooperation with the university’s schools and colleges.