University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Names Katers Dean of College of Science and Technology
GREEN BAY, WI – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Chancellor Gary L. Miller 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 is the first dean to be appointed in the University’s new four-college model, the first major restructuring of academic administration at the University in two decades. Katers’ appointment is effective July 1, 2016.
John Katers, Ph.D.
“It is very exciting to have someone of Dr. Katers’ ability and national reputation to become the inaugural dean of the new College of Science and Technology, Chancellor Miller noted. “His leadership will be extremely important to our success.”
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.
According to Miller, initial plans for the College place Human Biology, Natural and Applied Sciences (NAS), the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity, and the Medical College of Wisconsin-Green Bay partnership within the College of Science and Technology. The Chancellor noted that the plan 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, 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.”
The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents approved UWGB’s restructuring plan in December of 2015. By July 1, the University will be organized into four colleges to more strategically align the University’s educational programs with the growing commercial, social and cultural needs of the region. The four colleges are:
- The College of Health, Education and Social Welfare
- The Austin E. Cofrin School of Business
- The College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- The College of Science and Technology
“We are excited about the University’s efforts to reorganize and align with the community,” noted Dan Madigan, president of Feeco International, an expert in providing industry leading process design, engineering and manufacturing to the fertilizer, agriculture, mining and minerals, utility, paper, and chemical processing industries. “This is exactly what we need to be successful. We look forward to working more closely and collaboratively with the College of Science and Technology and Dean Katers on the challenges we face in the region.”
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.
About the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a comprehensive public institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs to 6,700 students. The University transforms lives and communities through exceptional and award-winning teaching and research, innovative learning opportunities, and a problem-solving approach to education. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
16-41
