John Katers Named UW-Green Bay Dean of College of Science and Technology

John Katers, Ph.D.

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Greg Davis today announced the appointment of UWGB Professor John Katers, Ph. D., to the position of founding Dean of UWGB’s College of Science and Technology. Katers’ appointment is effective July 1, 2016.

“The Selection Team was impressed with John’s track record and leadership in forging community partnerships that strengthen the University, his contributions to the field of science and technology here at UWGB and his enduring commitment to the quality of the student experience and the Wisconsin Idea,” said Davis. “We are excited that he is a part of our new four-college model.”

The Dean of the College of Science and Technology is responsible for budget, personnel, curriculum, strategic planning and constituent relations in promoting the University and the College’s programs. The Dean provides academic and administrative leadership and oversight of interdisciplinary and disciplinary programs in the College.

Initial plans for the College place Human Biology, Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS), the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, and the partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay within the College of Science and Technology. Davis noted that the final structure for the college is still under review and could involve additional programs and majors.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named the founding Dean of the College of Science and Technology at UWGB,” Katers stated. “Having been at the university for more than 25 years as a student and now a faculty member (link to full bio/faculty page here), I have realized the benefits of UWGB’s unique, solutions-based educational approach first-hand and look forward to fostering new opportunities in the sciences for students, faculty and the community.”

Katers noted that setting a course for the future is even more of an honor as the University concludes its 50-year celebration. “It’s exciting to be a part of developing the vision for the next 50 years,” Katers added. “Our recent partnership with the Medical College of Wisconsin and our new Engineering Technology programs are great examples of how we are aligning our courses and preparing students for the emerging needs of the marketplace.”

Katers has been employed at UW-Green Bay since 1995, initially working for the University of Wisconsin Solid and Hazardous Waste Education Center as a Recycling Specialist before joining the Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS) faculty in 1999. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2004, and promoted to Professor in 2012. He served as Chair of NAS since 2012, and has served as chair of the collaborative Online Masters in Sustainable Management (SMGT) program since its inception in 2012, a collaborative effort with UW Extension and four other UW campuses.

An award-winning educator and leader, Katers was named a Wisconsin Idea Fellow by the UW System in recognition of his outstanding public service and outreach to business and industry. In 2013, he was awarded a Fulbright Specialist position and worked collaboratively with faculty at the Universidad del Desarrollo in Santiago, Chile, on sustainability issues. He serves as director of the University’s Environmental Management Business Institute (EMBI). Katers holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Business Administration and a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy from UW-Green Bay and a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Marquette University.