College Leadership
Kathryn VandenBosch: Dean and Director
608.262.4930 – kate.vandenbosch@wisc.edu
Kathryn VandenBosch became dean of the UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in March 2012. Prior to that, VandenBosch was a professor of plant biology at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. In 2001, she became head of the plant biology department there, but took a brief hiatus in 2006 to serve as interim dean of the newly formed College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. She also served as a member and former chair of the executive committees of both the Faculty Senate and the University Senate.
VandenBosch’s research focused on the genetics of plant-microbe interactions and nitrogen fixation in legumes, a family that includes several agriculturally important species. In 2009, VandenBosch was named a fellow of the American Society of Plant Biologists.
Prior to her tenure at the University of Minnesota, VandenBosch was a faculty member at Texas A&M University for 12 years. She holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in botany from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and spent time at both UW-Madison and the John Innes Institute in Great Britain as a postdoctoral associate.
Executive Assistant: Therese McHenry
For CALS associate deans, click the name below once to expand a selection, and again to collapse it.
Louis Macias
Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
608.890.2154 – louis.macias@wisc.edu
Macias oversees the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within CALS, and provides collegewide leadership for activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion. These include but are not limited to developing and/or reviewing policies and practices that contribute to the recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented students, staff, and faculty, enhancing inclusive teaching practices and supporting research excellence. He partners with institutional leaders, faculty, staff, students, and other constituency groups to ensure programming aligns with the college’s values and strategic goals.
Executive Assistant: Erica Flyte
Douglas Reinemann
Associate Dean for Extension and Outreach
608.262.9812 – doug.reinemann@wisc.edu
Reinemann provides leadership for the organization, content and effectiveness of extension and outreach programs related to agriculture and natural resources, and community and economic development. He works closely with UW-Extension and CALS leadership, county extension agents and nearly 100 CALS faculty and staff who hold extension appointments to ensure that the college’s extension and outreach activities are timely and integral.
Executive Assistant: Erica Flyte
Mark Rickenbach
Senior Associate Dean & Interim Associate Dean for Research
608.890.0225 – mark.rickenbach@wisc.edu
As senior associate dean, Rickenbach is responsible for working with the dean on policy issues, long-range strategic planning, and implementation of change. He 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. He provides oversight for facilities, planning, health and safety, international programs, and manages the college’s administrative team.
As interim associate dean for research, Rickenbach 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.
Executive Assistant: Jack Imbur
Angie Seitler
Associate Dean for Finance and Administration
608.261.1432 – angela.seitler@wisc.edu
Seitler oversees the daily operations of CALS Business Services, CALS Human Resources, CALS IT, and the Wisconsin Agricultural Experiment Station. She is in charge of all aspects of college budgeting, financial planning, human resources, data management, and information technology. She also manages the start up and budgeting of revenue generating accounts, as well as trust Fund and UW Foundation expenditures and balances.
Executive Assistant: Julie Scharm (interim)
Karen Wassarman
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
608.262.3003 – karen.wassarman@wisc.edu
Wassarman 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 and the Farm and Industry Short Course program.
Executive Assistant: Julie Scharm (interim)
Heidi Zoerb
Associate Dean for External Relations and Advancement
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: Erica Flyte