Office of the Dean and Director
William F. Tracy
Interim Dean and Director
(608) 262-4930 - wftracy@wisc.edu
William F. Tracy became interim dean of the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in January 2011. A professor of agronomy, Tracy has built a long record of distinguished leadership and service since joining the UW-Madison faculty in 1984. He served as chair of the agronomy department from 2004 to 2010 and has chaired the University Committee, the executive committee of the UW-Madison Faculty Senate.
Tracy’s research focuses on breeding and genetics of sweet corn, one of Wisconsin's most important vegetable crops. He has developed many new hybrid and inbred varieties with improved yield and resistance to insects and disease. He has taught a wide range of classes, from entry-level crop production to graduate instruction in plant breeding and plant genetics. He has also been very active in efforts to get the university involved in K-12 science education and in outreach and continuing education related to crop production, plant genetics, and the interaction between agriculture and society.
Tracy earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in plant and soil sciences from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and earned a Ph.D. in plant breeding with a minor in agronomy and genetics from Cornell University in 1982.
Associate Deans and Staff
Birl Lowery
Senior Associate Dean
(608) 262-9812 - blowery@wisc.edu
As senior associate dean, Lowery is responsible for management of the CALS faculty, including hiring, promotion, tenure and post-tenure activities. He is the primary point of contact for departments and UW-Madison administrative units on faculty issues and manages the college's administrative team.
Rick Lindroth
Associate Dean for Research
(608) 262-6792 - lindroth@wisc.edu
Lindroth is responsible for the administration, management and supervision of the college's research enterprise. He oversees matters pertaining to compliance and assurance with funding agencies, animal care and use, biosafety, intellectual property and the responsible conduct of research within CALS.
Sarah Pfatteicher
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (interim)
- spfatt@cals.wisc.edu
Pfatteicher oversees the undergraduate student services in CALS, including curriculum assessment, international programs, career services and internships, scholarships and financial aid. She manages the Office of Undergraduate Programs and Services and the Farm and Industry Short Course program.
John Shutske
Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach
(608) 262-9812 - shutske@wisc.edu
Shutske provides leadership for the organization, content and effectiveness of extension programs related to agriculture and natural resources. He works closely with UW-Extension and CALS leadership, county extension agents and the more than 100 CALS faculty who hold extension appointments to ensure that the college's extension and outreach activities are timely and integral to Wisconsin.
Doug Sabatke
Assistant Dean for Facilities, Planning, Health and Safety
(608) 262-9812 - dsabatke@cals.wisc.edu
Sabatke is responsible for planning and development of CALS facilities, space management and oversight of construction projects on the CALS campus and agricultural research stations. He serves as the college's lead health and safety officer and leads the development of emergency planning procedures for college units.
Dean's Office Staff
Janis Simons
(608) 262-4930 - jsimons@cals.wisc.edu
As administrative assistant to the dean, Simons is responsible for managing the dean's calendar and appointments. She is the first contact for scheduling meetings with the dean or inquiring about the dean's availability to attend events or meetings.
Julie Polasky
(608) 262-9812 - jpolasky@cals.wisc.edu
Polasky provides program work for the associate and assistant deans on matters related to faculty personnel, extension and facilities management. She also provides support for several college committees, including department chairs meetings, the Committee on Academic Staff Issues and the Facilities Committee.
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