Wren Singer, an experienced advisor and administrator on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, has been chosen as interim associate dean of Student Academic Affairs (SAA) in the College of Letters & Science, L&S Dean John Karl Scholz announced.
Singer (B.A.'93, English and Psychology; M.S.'95, Counseling; Ph.D.'01, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis), currently the director of undergraduate advising in the Office of the Provost, will start her new post Sept. 1. She replaces Gery Essenmacher (M.S.'74, Ph.D.'76, Chemistry), who retired this week after serving as associate dean of SAA for nearly five years and working in L&S for more than 30 years.
Before joining the Office of the Provost in 2012, Singer served as assistant dean and director of the Center for the First-Year Experience for nine years. She previously directed UW-Madison's Campus and Visitor Relations office, and has also led student orientation programs and taught seminars for new students during her time on campus.
"Wren will bring a diverse skill set and a deep commitment to our undergraduate students' success to her leadership role in SAA," says Scholz.
SAA assists students as they prepare to register for their first classes and offers services designed to enhance student success — such as academic advising, scholarships and enrichment programs — from entry through graduation. Although SAA is primarily focused on L&S undergraduates, its mission and services extend to the entire undergraduate student body.