Acting registrar named

Registrar Monty Nielsen will leave his post to take a new position as an assistant dean for student academic affairs in the College of Letters and Science.

Nielsen, who came to UW–Madison in October 1998 from Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., will assume his new duties Tuesday, Jan. 22, says Paul Barrows, vice chancellor for student affairs.

Joanne Berg Nagy, associate dean of the graduate school, will serve as acting registrar until a permanent registrar can be identified, Barrows says. Nielsen will serve in the student academic affairs policy group that handles student academic records, student degree progress and student requests for exceptions to college academic policy.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve had opportunities at small, medium and large state colleges and universities,” Nielsen says. “In each role that I’ve held, I’ve always asked myself how I could best contribute to that institution. We’ve accomplished many things in the Registrar’s Office over the past few years, and I’d like to thank my staff of dedicated professionals.”

The Registrar’s Office oversees the creation and maintenance of permanent student academic records. In addition, it handles the production of course schedules, student registration, grades, transcripts and fees.

During his tenure, Nielsen helped launch and manage a complicated transition to the Integrated Student Information System (ISIS), along with shifts to web-based grades and, eventually, class registration.

Barrows says it has become clear over the last few years that technological change drives the challenges of the Registrar’s Office. Nielsen ultimately came to the decision that his talents would be better suited to the College of Letters and Science, Barrows says.

“Monty has handled one of the most comprehensive and complex student information system projects ever implemented on this campus,” says Barrows of Nielsen’s work on ISIS. “I’m pleased he’s found a new opportunity in the College of Letters and Science.”

One of Nagy’s key goals in the Registrar’s Office will be to continue dealing with issues presented by new technology, Barrows says. She has a strong background in change management, process improvement and team-building — all qualities well-suited to the current atmosphere, he says.

“At a time of transition, Joanne brings a wealth of experience and leadership skills,” he says. “She’ll continue to help the staff deal with these critical issues while also instilling her sense of confidence and teamwork.”

Since 1994, Nagy has served as associate dean for admissions and student services, handling issues related to admissions, alumni relations, recruitment and records. In addition, she developed Graduate School plans for electronic record keeping, launched an electronic admissions application and serves as a member of the Electronic Campus Advisory Team (E-Cat).

Nagy came to UW–Madison in 1987 from the University of Puget Sound School of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) in Tacoma, Wash., where she served as admissions director. Outside of UW–Madison, Nagy is president of the National Association of Graduate Admissions Professionals. She has an Executive MBA from UW–Madison and an undergraduate degree in sociology and anthropology from UW-La Crosse.

A search and screen committee will form this spring to begin a national search for a new registrar, Barrows says.

Judith Kornblatt, an associate dean of the graduate school and professor of Slavic languages, will fill Nagy’s role during her leave of absence.