Two deans reappointed after five-year reviews

Every five years of their tenure, deans of the university’s schools and colleges undergo a comprehensive review to assess their academic and administrative leadership and performance. The reviews include interviews with faculty, staff and students, and with external stakeholders. The provost appoints the members of the review committee.

Two dean reviews have been completed: Vice Provost and Dean of the International Division Guido Podestá and Dean of the School of Pharmacy Steve Swanson. Both have received feedback on the results of their reviews and have agreed to accept reappointment to their positions.

Podestá was named vice provost and dean of international studies in May 2014 after serving on an interim basis since June 2012. Podestá joined UW–Madison in 1987 and has also served as associate dean of international studies and liaison to the International Institute. A professor and former chair of the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, he previously directed the university’s program in Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian studies.

Swanson became dean of the School of Pharmacy in July 2014. He’d previously been at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he was a professor of pharmacognosy since 1998. He had also served as acting dean for UIC’s College of Pharmacy as well as the college’s associate dean for research and graduate education.

Chancellor Rebecca Blank and Provost Sarah Mangelsdorf wish to express their appreciation to the chairs and members of the dean review teams and to all who contributed their input to the reviews.