Glenda Gillaspy: Dean and Director
608.262.4930 – glenda.gillaspy@wisc.edu
Glenda Gillaspy became the 14th dean of UW-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in August 2022. Prior to that, Gillaspy was a professor of biochemistry at Virginia Tech where she served as department head since 2015. In that role she led novel curricular changes to promote student success and a sense of belonging, and implemented a mentoring program for new faculty that fostered their teaching and research success.
Gillaspy’s research focuses on signaling molecules that control phosphate-sensing in plants, with the goal of developing plants that can reclaim phosphate from the environment. She has been active in developing several outreach projects for high school students, and she has led a National Institute of Food and Agriculture funded Research Experiences and Extension summer research program for undergraduates, which is a collaboration between applied and basic scientists.
Gillaspy holds a B.S. in Biology from Auburn University, and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Case Western Reserve University. She spent time at the University of California-Berkeley as a postdoctoral associate, and at the Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia in Portugal as a visiting researcher.
Executive Assistant: Tara Darga
For CALS associate deans, click the name below once to expand a selection, and again to collapse it.
Heather White
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Graduate Student Mentoring
608.263.7786 – heather.white@wisc.edu
As associate dean for faculty affairs and graduate student mentoring, White is responsible for working with the dean on policy issues, long-range strategic planning, and implementation of change. She is the primary point of contact for departments and UW-administrative units on faculty affairs and leads diversity and inclusion efforts related to recruitment and retention. She also works with faculty on aspects of mentoring, professional development, and success for graduate student and postdoctoral research fellows.
Executive Assistant: Ally McCann
Troy Runge
Associate Dean for Research and Extension, Director of Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station
608.890.3143 – trunge@wisc.edu
As Associate Dean for Research and Extension and Director of the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station, Runge provides strategic leadership and oversight for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ research enterprise. He supports CALS researchers by fostering a robust research environment and ensuring compliance with funding agencies, animal care and use, biosafety, intellectual property, and the responsible conduct of research. He also oversees the college’s partnership with the Division of Extension, supporting Extension-funded faculty and staff to strengthen the integration of research and outreach across Wisconsin.
Angie Seitler
Associate Dean for Strategy, Operations and Finance
608.261.1432 – angela.seitler@wisc.edu
Seitler oversees the daily operations of CALS Business Services, CALS Human Resources, CALS IT, and the CALS Facilities. She is in charge of all aspects of college budgeting, financial planning, human resources, data management, information technology and facilities. She also manages the startup and budgeting of revenue generating accounts, as well as Trust Fund and WFAA expenditures and balances.
Executive Assistant: Ally McCann
Jeri Barak
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
608.890-2581 – jeri.barak@wisc.edu
Barak 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 Academic Affairs. Graduate student academic programs, curriculum, and teaching assistantships and associated trainings are also housed in academic affairs.
Heidi Zoerb
Associate Dean for Strategy and External Relations
608.262.4849 – heidi.zoerb@wisc.edu
Zoerb oversees CALS’ external relations efforts, leads the CALS External Relations team, works with the UW Foundation to advance the college’s development priorities, and advises the dean on matters related to the college’s public image and stakeholder relations.
Executive Assistant: Ally McCann
CALS Department Chairs
View the CALS department chairs directory page on CALS Admin.