Rouse to lead UW-Madison service initiatives

Mary Rouse, dean of students since 1987 at UW–Madison, will become an assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs.

See also: Service initiatives: A key in future UW learning

In addition, Rouse will oversee the Morgridge Center for Public Service. Housed in the Red Gym, the center is a clearinghouse that matches interested students with volunteer activities and helps faculty members incorporate service learning into their classes.

Chancellor David Ward, who announced the appointment Monday (March 15), said Rouse’s longtime commitment to service programs will give the university an edge as it seeks to enhance this important aspect of college education.

“I am delighted that Mary has agreed to pursue this important priority on our campus,” Ward said. “Her knowledge of the university, her experience in advising students and her skill in developing programs all will be invaluable assets.”

Mary Rouse

Rouse, an administrator with broad experience in student services, will focus on expanding student-initiated service projects and strengthening service learning programs, which include community activities as a course requirement. Rouse’s new appointment will be effective July 1.

“My appointment of Mary to this position also reflects my conviction that the Morgridge Center merits the prominence her appointment conveys to it,” Ward said. “Mary already has initiated and supported projects that affirm our commitment to integrating classroom activities with service opportunities,” Ward added. “I am confident that we will see these opportunities expanded under her leadership and her commitment to the value of service learning.”

Campuses across the country have been working to connect student experiences inside and outside the lecture hall. Rouse said UW–Madison’s emphasis on volunteerism makes the university a leader in this area.

The large number of UW–Madison students who each year elect to join the Peace Corps and other service organizations testifies to the success of institution’s support for volunteer initiatives, Rouse said.

“This is now a national trend, but we have a long tradition of service involving students,” Rouse said.

As dean of students, Rouse is chair of an ad hoc committee on integrating classroom learning and community activities. “This is a logical next step,” Rouse said of her new post. “I will be able to focus on one area that I have worked in all of my life.”

Rouse has served as dean of students since 1987, overseeing student life and services on a campus of more than 40,000 students. During her tenure, the campus has integrated student health services; strengthened and expanded mental health resources for students; and improved student orientation programs. She led efforts for the historic preservation and adaptive use project for the Old Red Gym, which was completed this fall. She was an assistant dean of students for 14 years.

Susan VandeHei Dibbell, who has served as director of the Morgridge Center for the past two years, will continue operation of the center during the transition period.

A search for a new dean of students will begin soon, but Rouse also will continue in that role until a new dean is named. Rouse will receive the same salary in her new position as she did as dean of students.