Randy Jackson named finalist for UW Arboretum director position
Randy Jackson, a professor in the Department of Agronomy, has been named as one of three finalists for the position of University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum director. The director will report to Marsha Mailick, vice chancellor for research and graduate education.
Jackson’s research interests are in structure and function of managed, semi-natural, and natural grassland ecosystems. Jackson will give his public presentation, “Ecological restoration research and deployment for a 21st century land ethic,” at 9 a.m. on Feb. 13.
“The UW–Madison Arboretum is known worldwide for efforts in restoring critical landscapes such as prairies and wetlands, and enriching lives through research such as studies into climate change impacts and storm water runoff,” says Mailick. “It’s also an important destination for the local community as a place to explore and learn. I am looking forward to the next step in the process in choosing a new director for the Arboretum and I am very thankful for the work of the search committee and, in particular, committee Chair Christopher Kucharik.”
The other two finalists are Ellen Damschen, associate professor in the Department of Zoology, and Karen Oberhauser, professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology at the University of Minnesota. Damschen’s presentation will take place at 9 a.m. on Feb. 16. Oberhauser’s will be held at 9 a.m. on Feb. 20.
The candidates’ presentations will provide an opportunity for each candidate to share his or her vision for the position. All three presentations will be held in room 1111 at the Biotechnology Center, 425 Henry Mall. Feedback about the finalists can be provided online.
“The Arboretum director position generated a high level of interest that led to a diverse pool of strong applicants originating from UW–Madison and abroad,” says Kucharik. “The search committee is excited about the Arboretum’s future given what we have already heard from the finalists.”
Read the original news release on the UW-Madison news site.