The director of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies announced her resignation after two years of service to the University of Wisconsin.

In a letter to Provost Patrick Farrell, Frances Westley said she is leaving her position in order to be closer to her family in Canada.

According to Tom Sinclair, public information manager for the Nelson Institute, Westley helped evaluate graduate program studies at UW and revised curriculum in "innovative ways."

"We're obviously sad to see her leave," Westley said. "Her time was relatively short, but she had important reasons for going — she does have to go back and look after some family members who need her help."

Westley's resignation does not take effect until June 30, but Sinclair said Westley would be in Denmark for much of the time remaining.

Sinclair added Louis Gilbert, an associate director at the institute, would handle business temporarily while Westley is gone and perform most of the day-to-day responsibilities.

And Andy Wetzel, a university service associate at the institute, said the Nelson Institute would try to continue the good work Westley started at the university.

Established 37 years ago, Wetzel said the Nelson Institute offers academic and instructional programs, as well as conducting various environmental research.

"We're certainly going to keep a lot of the balls in the air that she's started and manage through the transition," Wetzel said. "But she's given a lot of work."

Some of the projects Westley started include launching a lecture series and community-oriented events that draw people into the program and the Madison area, according to Sinclair.

Westley is driven, Sinclair added, saying she "brought new energy" to the program.

"As [Westley] leaves, she's probably made her mark most visibly by … making efforts to make new relationships with people in the Legislature and the environment and conversational community in Madison," Sinclair said.

In terms of choosing a new director, Sinclair said the decision is left up to the provost's office. However, he added finding a replacement could be more than a year away — an interim director will be named in the meantime.

"[Westley] accomplished a lot," Sinclair said. "She's someone who's very dynamic and very energetic … for the two and a half years she's been here."

— Nick Penzenstadler contributed to this report.