Following Anne Massey’s single semester as dean of UW-Madison’s School of Business, Barry Gerhart, senior associate dean for faculty and research, will continue as the school’s interim dean.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Sarah Mangelsdorf announced Gerhart’s continuation this Friday after having discussions and getting nominations from the school’s faculty and staff.
Gerhart has been in the role since Massey officially retired Dec. 31. Mangelsdorf sent out an email to business school students, informing them of the change.
“With the support of Chancellor Blank and Provost Mangelsdorf, we are all committed to the continued excellence of our MBA program, as well as the expansion of our current programs and development of new programs,” Gerhart said.
Last semester, a proposed plan for the full-time MBA caused uproar from current students and alumni who were not consulted. However, after hearing from students and alumni, the school announced that it would not suspend the program.
Massey is now teaching in the Operations and Information Management Department. In her statement, she said that her vision for the business school did not change since March when she first visited.
“I have realized that my vision for the School differs from Chancellor Blank’s,” Massey said. “It is my sincere desire that she have the opportunity to ensure that her vision is implemented. By resigning I will allow that process to unfold.”
Until a new dean takes over, Gerhart will remain in this role. The search for a permanent dean will begin next September.
