Leadership decisions address international reach, environmental studies and lifelong learning
The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s dean of international studies will now also head the university’s globalization efforts.
Gilles Bousquet, who will be vice provost for globalization in addition to heading UW–Madison’s international studies division, says he’s looking forward to working on issues of international engagement.
In adding to Bousquet’s duties, Chancellor Biddy Martin and Provost Paul DeLuca cited his contributions and leadership on issues of internationalization. Raising the university’s worldwide visibility and promoting worldwide research collaborations are a priority for UW–Madison; in March, Martin led a UW–Madison delegation to China.
“Globalization continues to change economies and the societies in which we live, and we have a responsibility to prepare our students for that new world,” Martin says. “In his new capacity and as special assistant to me for international engagement, Gilles will play a critical role in attracting top students from around the world, creating greater international opportunities for our students and enhancing the university’s reputation abroad.”
Expanding UW–Madison’s reach and visibility is vital for the education of global citizens and maintaining UW–Madison’s preeminence in research, Bousquet says, adding that he sees internationalization as a campus-wide project requiring a coordinated, strategic approach.
“UW-Madison’s international stature is also a key asset as the state positions itself to compete in a global knowledge economy,” Bousquet says. “Our students are part of a fast-changing world and they want to better understand the complexity of issues like global health, sustainability, human conflicts and cultural diversity so that they can make meaningful contributions both locally and around the world.”
In addition, Gregg Mitman, interim director of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Gaylord Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, will continue to lead the institute through 2011, and James Campbell will serve as interim dean of continuing studies and vice provost for lifelong learning.
Mitman’s appointment as interim director was extended by Martin and DeLuca through the end of 2011. Mitman will guide the institute until a permanent director is identified.
Mitman, a well-known environmental historian and historian of science, holds a joint appointment in the departments of History of Science and Medical History and Bioethics and is the William Coleman Professor of History of Science. He has been interim director of the Nelson Institute since 2008.
His research interests lie at the intersections of ecology, health, nature, and American culture. Mitman was instrumental in establishing the Nelson Institute’s Center for Culture, History, and Environment and launched the “Tales from Planet Earth” environmental film festival in Madison.
As interim director, Mitman has worked to increase undergraduate opportunities in the institute and to strengthen partnerships with groups in the community. Under his leadership, the Nelson Institute has established the Community Environmental Scholars Program to improve inclusiveness and diversity among students in environmental studies and to foster community engagement. This spring, seventeen undergraduate students at the UW–Madison were the first recipients of need-based scholarships, averaging about $5,000 year, as part of this new program.
Mitman also recently oversaw the 40th anniversaries of both Earth Day and the Nelson Institute and is currently leading the campus Sustainability Task Force, a group charged with integrating education, research, and campus operations toward increased environmental, economic, and social responsibility.
Campbell will begin on July 1 while the university considers the area of continuing studies and distance learning and searches for a permanent dean.
He previously served as chair of the Departments of Professional Development and Applied Studies and Liberal Studies and the Arts and more recently as associate dean of program planning and partnership development in continuing studies. His teaching and research interests focus on the area of child maltreatment and he has provided coordination for the Midwest Conference on Child Sexual Abuse Treatment for the past 19 years.
He steps in for Marvin Van Kekerix, who was asked to serve as interim chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension following the departure of Chancellor David Wilson for Morgan State University in Baltimore.
The Division of Continuing Studies offers educational programs and services grounded in the rich intellectual and professional resources of UW–Madison’s faculty and staff, and as well as facilitates outreach opportunities in the schools and colleges. While the Division of Continuing Studies plays many roles in offering and supporting outreach opportunities, Campbell says its overarching purpose is connecting the campus and the broader community of lifelong learners.
–By Stacy Forster and Jill Sakai
