MAILED: Aug. 2, 2001
EAU CLAIRE — Eleven faculty and staff members from a number of
departments have recently retired or will retire this fall with emeritus
status from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Richard M. Dirks, associate professor and director of
information technology resource integration since 1997, retired in July after
30 years at UW-Eau Claire. From 1971-to 1996 he served as television
coordinator and later as video and distance education coordinator in the Media
Development Center, and from 1996-1997 he was granted a leave of absence to
serve as director of distance education for the Wisconsin Educational
Communications Board. Dirks received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees
from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Robert Fuller, associate professor and director of the
Media Development Center, retired in July after 32 years at UW-Eau Claire.
Prior to becoming the director in 1992, he served in a variety of positions in
the MDC. Fuller was also an instructor for numerous National Technical
Instructor Institute workshops over the years. He received his bachelor’s
and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Diane M. Gilbertson, director of University Centers and
Programs, student services unit, is retiring in August after holding a number
of different positions over the course of her 26-year career at UW-Eau Claire,
all involving university recreation, activities or programs. She began in 1975
as a physical education instructor and women’s tennis coach. Gilbertson
received her bachelor’s degree from UW-Oshkosh and her master’s degree
from UW-La Crosse.
Ronald Keezer, associate professor of music, retired in
July after almost 32 years at UW-Eau Claire. He taught percussion and jazz
classes at UW-Eau Claire and was well known in the community as a performer,
director and award-winning music educator. He received both his bachelor’s
degree and master’s in teaching degree from UW-Eau Claire.
Stephen Kurth, associate dean of the School of
Education, retired in July after 33 years at UW-Eau Claire. Prior to becoming
associate dean, Kurth served as a professor of physical education, director of
men’s athletics from 1975-92 and chair of the department of physical
education and athletics from 1985-92. In his early years at UW-Eau Claire he
coached both football and basketball. Kurth received his bachelor’s degree
from UW-Eau Claire, his master’s from Washington State University and his
doctorate from the University of Oregon.
William F. Mellien, professor of theatre, is retiring
in August after 18 years at UW-Eau Claire. Over the years he taught a wide
variety of classes involving many aspects of theatre and stagecraft, served as
both technical director and director of theatre, and was involved in 94 major
productions during his time at UW-Eau Claire. Mellien received his
bachelor’s degree from North Central College, and master’s degrees from
the University of North Dakota and Humboldt State University.
Kathleen M. Mitchell, associate vice chancellor for
business and student services, is retiring in August after 22 years of
administrative service at UW-Eau Claire. She served in several capacities over
the years, including affirmative action officer and special assistant to the
chancellor. Mitchell is an anthropologist and taught courses in anthropology and
general sociology at several institutions before coming to UW-Eau Claire. She
received her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and master’s and
doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Marjorie R. Smelstor, professor of English, is retiring
in August after 11 years at UW-Eau Claire. She joined UW-Eau Claire in 1990 as
provost/vice chancellor for academic affairs, served as interim chancellor from
January through June 1998, and in recent years returned to the classroom.
Smelstor received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph
and her master’s and doctoral degrees from UW-Madison.
David L. Steele, associate professor of management and
marketing, retired in June after teaching at UW-Eau Claire for almost 32 years.
He taught courses in business law, legal environment, labor law and
international business law. He was instrumental in developing the international
business emphasis at UW-Eau Claire. Steele received his bachelor’s degree and
law degree from UW-Madison.
Roger L. Thiede, associate professor of geography,
retired in July. He came to UW-Eau Claire in 1975 and taught a wide variety of
geography classes, including in recent years English Second Language classes for
international and U.S. students. For 27 years he co-authored “World Regional
Geography,” a college level regional geography textbook. Thiede received his
bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison and his master’s and doctoral degrees from
the University of Washington.
Janice B. Wisner, director of the News Bureau at UW-Eau
Claire since 1992, is retiring in September after serving in various positions
in the News Bureau for 16 years. As news editor she was instrumental in
developing UW-Eau Claire’s first computerized news release system, and as
senior editor and director led two major renovations of the UW-Eau Claire Web
site, the development and implementation of editorial and graphic standards at
the university and implementation of an integrated marketing communications
program. Wisner received her bachelor’s degree from Capital University,
Columbus, Ohio, and studied journalism at the University of Minnesota.
-30-
NW
[Administrative Offices]
[News Bureau]
Janice B. Wisner
UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Schofield 201
(715) 836-4741
newsbur@uwec.edu
Updated: Aug. 2, 2001
|
