Provost John Zumbrunnen will begin the process of searching for a new dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences this fall. Troy Runge began serving as the interim dean when Glenda Gillaspy moved to a position as the director of the Rural Partnerships Institute in late June.   

Last week Provost Zumbrunnen met with department chairs as part of their annual retreat. He also plans to attend an All College Meeting at noon on October 21 to discuss the search with the CALS community. More details about that session will be in eCALS closer to the date. 

“CALS sits at the heart of our land-grant mission, driving education, research and outreach that changes lives across Wisconsin and society,” says Provost Zumbrunnen. “We are looking for a world-class leader who can build on that legacy and advance a shared vision for the college’s future. I am excited to launch this search and attract an exceptional pool of talented candidates for this pivotal role in our globally ranked College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.”    

As is the standard practice for all leadership search committees, appointments to the search committee will be made by the provost with input from the University Committee, Academic Staff Executive Committee, University Staff Central Committee and the Associated Students of Madison. Staff governance groups are expected to solicit nominations soon. 

The search is expected to launch later in the fall semester. Once the committee receives its formal charge, it will hold public listening sessions where stakeholders can ask questions and share ideas about what qualities they would like to see in the next dean. 

Questions or comments may be directed to Carole Kolb, director of administrative searches in the Office of the Provost.