University of Wisconsin-Madison Provost John Zumbrunnen announced Kristin Eschenfelder as the new College of Letters & Science interim dean in an announcement Thursday.
Effective May 17, Eschenfelder will take over for the current L&S dean, Eric Wilcots, who will serve as interim chancellor in Jennifer Mnookin’s absence.
“For more than 25 years, [Eschenfelder] has served the L&S community with tremendous skill, professionalism and spirit.” Wilcots said in an email to students. “I am confident that L&S will thrive under her leadership and continue to be the heart of this great university.”
Her appointment comes amid major leadership changes at UW-Madison, with Zumbrennan starting his provost appointment on March 9th and Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin leaving for Columbia University at the end of the semester. Wilcots will serve as interim chancellor while the university searches for their next top leader.
Eschenfelder began her UW-Madison career in 2000 as an Information School faculty member. She most recently served as L&S associate dean and associate director of the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences since 2019.
As interim dean, Eschenfelder will have to navigate growing concerns over free speech on college campuses and major changes to education caused by the rapid growth of AI among other issues.
Staff writer
