MAILED: May 16, 2001
EAU CLAIRE—A former Wisconsin
resident has been named director of continuing education at the University of
Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Provost and Vice Chancellor Ronald Satz announced the
appointment of Dr. Robert Whitcomb, of Waterville, Maine, effective July 2.
Whitcomb is a native of Milwaukee and earned his undergraduate degree at
UW-River Falls. He comes to UW-Eau Claire from Thomas College, a private college
in Maine, where he has been in charge of continuing education and dean of the
graduate school.
At UW-Eau Claire Whitcomb will lead the university’s
newly consolidated outreach unit, which recently moved to 210 Water St. and is
charged with establishing collaborative ties on and off the campus for the
purpose of providing educational programs, services and partnerships for
pre-college, non-traditional, special and non-degree students as well as
regional employers.
Satz said the new unit, a collaborative partnership with
UW-Extension, makes it easier for citizens in the region to take advantage of
opportunities that UW-Eau Claire offers. “The new location on Water Street
provides easy access to campus resources. As director, Dr. Whitcomb will work
closely with business, education and community leaders and serve as an
ambassador for the needs of non-traditional students.”
Whitcomb said UW-Eau Claire’s outstanding reputation
attracted him to the position. He looks forward to working with the continuing
education staff and with employers in the area to develop non-credit and credit
education programs. “Moving the offices to a central location reinforces the
unit’s relationship to the community. The unit offers a wide range of
non-credit opportunities, and we will be working with area employers to develop
more credit programming to serve the community’s unmet needs.”
Janice Morse from the Provost’s Office, who chaired the
Search and Screen Committee, said Whitcomb possesses a wealth of experience in
continuing education in both credit and non-credit programming. “He has a
strong background in program development, and the committee members believe he
will be a true asset to continuing education, the university and the
community.”
In Maine, Whitcomb dealt with the community on all
levels, including business, education and political entities. “We need
leadership here — someone who can get out and interact with the community —
and I think he will do that,” said Craig Carlson, executive director of the
Eau Claire Area Industrial Development Corporation, who participated in the
interview process along with other community representatives.
Dr. Robert
Hollon, an associate professor in the School of Education, believes Whitcomb
will bring experience, vision and energy to the continuing education
directorship.
“At a time
when the professional development of educators is undergoing transformation, it
is essential that we synergize expertise and resources. Dr. Whitcomb's
experience in program development and marketing will enable Continuing Education
in Education to expand its ability to support innovative collaborations among
University faculty, K-12 educators, and regional support agencies,” Hollon
said.
Whitcomb began his career at the University of Maine at
Presque Isle where he was director of conferences and special programs from 1985
to 1992. He then moved to Thomas College where he was dean of graduate and
continuing education and served on the faculty. In 1997, he was named associate
vice president for continuing education and dean of the graduate school at
Thomas. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UW-River Falls, master’s degree in
business from Colorado State University, a certificate of advanced study in
educational administration and a doctorate in education from the University of
Maine.
Sue Moore, who has served as interim director of
continuing education since the consolidated unit was established last fall, will
return to her position as registrar in July. Connie Russell, who has been
serving as interim associate registrar, will return to her permanent assignment
as assistant registrar.
-30-
JW
[Administrative Offices]
[News Bureau]
Janice B. Wisner
UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Schofield 201
(715) 836-4741
newsbur@uwec.edu
Updated: May 16, 2001
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