Troy Runge: Interim Dean and Director
608.262.1251 – trunge@wisc.edu
Troy Runge became interim dean of UW–Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in July 2026. Prior to that, he served as CALS associate dean for research and extension. In those joint roles, he fostered a robust research environment and ensured compliance with funding agency requirements, animal care and use regulations, biosafety standards, intellectual property policies, and the responsible conduct of research. He also managed the college’s partnership with the Division of Extension, supporting Extension-funded faculty and staff while strengthening the integration of research, teaching, and outreach across Wisconsin.
A professor of biological systems engineering, Runge’s research focuses on biobased products and bioprocessing systems, with an emphasis on developing sustainable technologies that add value to renewable resources.
Raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm, Runge developed an early appreciation for agriculture, natural resources, and innovation. He earned a Ph.D. in paper science and engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and began his professional career with Kimberly-Clark Corporation. He joined the UW–Madison faculty in 2009, where he has built a distinguished career as a researcher, educator, and academic leader.
Executive Assistant: Tara Darga
For CALS associate deans, click the name below once to expand a selection, and again to collapse it.
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.
Executive Assistant: Kayla Boudreau
Heather White
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
608.263.7786 – heather.white@wisc.edu
As associate dean for faculty affairs, 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.
Executive Assistant: Ally McCann
Michael A. Xenos
Associate Dean for Graduate Education
xenos@wisc.edu
Executive Assistant: Kayla Boudreau
Troy Runge
Associate Dean for Research and Extension
608.890.3143 – trunge@wisc.edu
As Associate Dean for Research and Extension, 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.
Executive Assistant: Tara Darga
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
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
CALS Department Chairs
View the CALS department chairs directory page on CALS Admin.