The dean of the University of Wisconsin School of Education announced his retirement Wednesday.

Sixty-five-year-old Charles Read will retire June 30th after a 35-year career at UW, 10 of which he spent as dean.

Read said he is not in any hurry to make definitive post-retirement plans, but he will remain in Madison with his wife to spend time with their new grandson. Read would also like to travel.

“We’ve always enjoyed active vacations — like bike tours,” Read said, adding he is waiting to see what opportunities come along.

The school’s Associate Dean Henry Lufler, who worked with Read throughout his years as dean, said he was an effective leader who did a lot for the school.

“When [Read] made the announcement to [the faculty], there was a lot of laughter, hugging and support for him. It was a very warm moment,” Lufler said. “I’ve seen a lot of deans on this campus, and Read will probably be remembered as one of the most effective.”

UW Chancellor John Wiley also had words of praise for Read, calling him “an innovator, committed to improving classroom teaching and learning.”

“[His] dedication to meeting the needs of students and communities is reflected daily in classrooms across Wisconsin,” Wiley said in a statement.

Read said he is happy he could serve as the dean of such a good school.

In 10 years Read helped improve relationships with community agencies, such as Madison public schools, increase outreach to alumni and increase private gifts and research grants.

Read emphasized he was only one piece of the puzzle in the school’s progress over the past decade.

Read said he has many plans for the nine months left in his career.

He said he will continue to work on the undergraduate teaching programs, particularly because teaching has changed so much over the years. He also plans on improving the admissions process and improving student and faculty access to technology throughout the school.

Read said one of the greatest challenges he faced as dean was keeping the distinguished teaching faculty from leaving to receive higher pay elsewhere.

“Private universities sometimes have kind of deep pockets and make offers [to faculty members],” he said. “It’s hard to coordinate a response to keep the best.”

Although it was difficult to name specific high points, Read said there were “some wonderful moments.”

“I remember sitting in my office late one afternoon after everyone went home, trying to get faculty and staff volunteers for a project in Madison schools by sending out an email,” Read said. Seventeen people responded the next day, he added.

“It is a great moment when people will work with you,” Read noted.
Read said he has enjoyed moving around various departments throughout his 35 years at UW. In addition to being dean, Read has spent time in the English and Linguistic departments and in the graduate school’s dean’s office.

“One of the good things about UW is you can build a career here,” he said.

Read said although he is retiring, he will remain in the UW community.

“You can’t just walk away from 35 years at an institution,” Read said, adding he will stay in touch either as a friend or a volunteer.