Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) - When the new year rolls around for the Dean of UW-Sheboygan, that campus and other UW system campuses should be just getting well-adjusted to sweeping changes brought on by the state’s latest biennial budget.
Jackie Joseph-Silverstein of UW-Sheboygan has been named Southeast Regional Executive Officer and Dean of the University of Wisconsin System. It is a role for which Silverstein feels destined.
“My passion is student success - in helping students who might not otherwise be able to get higher education that we’re able to provide them with the opportunities to do that.”
The college system is in the throes of major restructuring due to significant budget cuts. Part of that restructuring for the UW system has led to the downsizing of key staff positions, including the thirteen campus Dean positions. Those posts are now covered regionally by four Executive Officers. Joseph-Silverstein is among the four deans who made the cut by landing the big regional promotion.
“I’m very excited about that,” Silverstein says.
“Sheboygan is part of the Southeast region which includes Waukesha and West Bend, and as opposed to just being the title or just the executive officer and Dean at UW Sheboygan, I will be responsible for the region as regional executive officer and Dean.”
The new Regional Dean believes that this restructuring plan will better position UW system students to capitalize on the expansive programs that are offered between campuses.
“I think in this new regional role, there are going to be lots of additional opportunities to take advantage of things that are happening on the other campuses in the other regions. New course opportunities for students.”
The largest of the campuses, Silverstein says, is Waukesha. “I believe these days they have around 2,100 students. Washington County has a little less than 800, Sheboygan a little less than 700. So, probably there are 37- to-3800 students between the three campuses.”
For Silverstein, there is nothing new or profound about the rise in status or level of responsibility. Silverstein assumed the role of Dean at UW-Sheboygan three years ago. Her Resume’ wreaks of versatility.
“I come from a lot of different places, higher education. Prior to this job I worked at Cayuga community college in Cleveland Ohio where I was the Provost Executive Vice President of that institution. Then I moved to Milwaukee as a trailing spouse and I worked for about 13 months at the blood Center of Wisconsin as their research administrator at the Blood Research Institute - which is on the Milwaukee County campus.”
Moving forward, Silverstein believes the regional posts will foster greater collaboration across the UW system.
“It’s an exciting time. It’s going to be challenging. It’s going to be a good challenge.”