In an abrupt change of events, former Associate Dean of Students Roger Howard announced Thursday he will assume a new post as interim dean of students.
Howard will fill the position vacated by Alicia Chavez, who announced her resignation Jan. 11. Chavez originally said she would vacate the position to take a full-time post in the school of education at the end of the semester, but announced Thursday she is leaving the dean of students office immediately.
“Although I had initially planned to stay on until later this year, Roger’s return from retirement, along with this tremendous research opportunity, make it an ideal time for me to start my transition back to the faculty,” she said.
Chavez described Howard as her mentor and said he is more than suitable for the job.
“He’s pretty incredible,” she said. “He’s one of the wisest, most compassionate people I’ve ever known. I leave with a sigh of relief knowing he is coming to the position.”
Chavez went on to communicate how the office will function in her absence.
“Roger brings a lot of wisdom, compassion and dedication to the dean of students office.”
Howard served as associate dean of students for 28 years before retiring in June of 2001. He first came to UW-Madison in 1968 as a graduate student in African studies and has also worked as a residence hall adviser and associate director of the Division of Academic Services. Before coming to Madison he served as a Peace Corps teacher in Mbeya, Tanzania.
Paul Barrows, vice chancellor for student affairs, said Howard’s experience shows his dedication for the university.
“There is nobody who loves this university more and who has been a bigger advocate for students,” Barrows said. “He’s just a big, warm, fuzzy.”
Howard will work at 80 percent of full-time until a permanent dean is identified. His salary will remain the same as pre-retirement, $92,540, but will most likely be less, because he is only expecting to stay on for six months.
Barrows said the search-and-screen process for the new dean is coming along rapidly, with applications and recommendations already underway. Howard will not apply for the permanent position.
“I’m hesitant to leave the joys of retirement, but I’m looking forward to the chance to work with old friends and colleagues,” Howard said. “I feel very strongly about the importance of the work of the dean of students office, and I’ll work with the staff to help recruit the highest caliber of candidates I can during our search for a new dean.”
Barrows said he expects the transition from Chavez to Howard to go smoothly.
“Even though Alicia brings extensive experience to the table, the task of getting tenure in the School of Education is a formidable one,” he said. “Our hope is that she will be very successful as a faculty member and be at the university for years to come. Roger, with his decades of experience, will be a great asset in this transition period.”
