Megan Ackerman-Yost started in her new position as the assistant dean for academic programs and policies in Academic Affairs in May 2022. She previously served as the CALS academic planner. In her new role, she will work with CALS faculty and staff involved in undergraduate and graduate programs, Academic Dean’s offices in other schools and colleges, and campus units like the Division of Teaching and Learning. She reports to Karen Wassarman, associate dean for academic affairs.

What is your hometown? Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, which is near Harrisburg. I lived in a few different places before landing in Madison: upstate New York, Washington DC, and a year in rural Japan.

What is your educational/professional background, including your area of specialization?

I got my bachelor’s degree in plant science and did graduate work in plant pathology at Cornell University, and I have a master’s degree in linguistics with a specialization in teaching from Syracuse University. I’ve worked for 14 years in instruction and assessment, higher education accreditation and academic planning.

What are your main responsibilities? 

I’m responsible for academic policies, courses, programs and student records. I lead a team that works with departments, CALS students and units across campus. We support the high-quality education that CALS offers to undergraduate and graduate students in the for-credit space, ensuring that degrees reflect the standards of CALS and the university.

What attracted you to this position?

I was attracted to the opportunity to partner with departments and programs on their academic offerings and to reflect, through our college policies, the supportive learning environment that we want for all students. From my academic planner role, I know that our faculty and staff offer a great education to our undergraduate and graduate students.

What are you most looking forward to as you start your position?

I’m looking forward to creating new relationships with CALS departments and units across the university, and furthering the relationships I already have. Transitioning from academic planner to assistant dean is a difference in focus from more immediate changes to longer-term strategies and initiatives. CALS faculty and staff care deeply about our students and their education, and I’m looking forward to discussing the many ways we reflect that.

What are your hobbies and other interests?

I enjoy hiking and traveling, and especially both at the same time.  I’ve also become interested in mixology recently and have been creating syrups, bitters and infused liquor using ingredients from my garden.

How should people contact you?

I prefer email, at megan.ackermanyost@wisc.edu, but you can also call at (608) 265-5436. You can also stop by my office in 116 Ag Hall!