Dear L&S community,
You have likely seen messages from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin about my appointment to serve as Interim Chancellor beginning later this spring. I am both humbled and honored to be asked to serve in this leadership role at such a consequential time in UW–Madison’s history.
As I temporarily step away from my leadership role in the College later this spring, I know I can count on all of you to continue to do your part in helping L&S continue to excel across all of our mission areas. I am deeply grateful to all of you for making the College of Letters & Science remarkable.
Between now and May 17 when I assume the role of Interim Chancellor, I will remain deeply engaged in all facets of College operations. L&S will move forward on developing a robust budget request for the College that will enable us to continue to modernize our degree requirements, maintain an innovative research enterprise and continue to be a destination for world-class faculty, students and staff. And, of course, I wouldn’t miss the grand opening festivities of Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall, our hub for the humanities and qualitative social sciences, in September.
As Chancellor Mnookin indicated, she and our new Provost will name an interim leader for L&S later this spring.
Thank you and On, Wisconsin!
Eric M. Wilcots, Dean
Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy
College of Letters & Science
University of Wisconsin-Madison