Berquam names three to key Dean of Students positions

Dean Lori Berquam has selected three experienced higher education professionals to fill key vacancies in the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS).

After a national search, Berquam has named Argyle Wade, director of Housing and Residence Life at Saint Louis University and Kevin Helmkamp, current interim associate dean of students and assistant director of Housing, to two open associate dean positions.

Wade leads a housing office serving 3,400 residents and employing approximately 50 professionals and 200 students. Helmkamp took on the interim associate dean role in ODOS in June 2006, while continuing to manage numerous academic programs and services in Housing.

"Kevin’s experience and history of success working with student groups and staff will continue to be an major asset to our division," Berquam says. "Likewise, I’m equally excited to have Argyle join us, bringing complementary skills in student development and program assessment."

Helmkamp will depart Housing and begin full-time as associate dean on Aug. 20. Wade is expected to begin on Sept. 17.

Associate deans play a key leadership role in ODOS, assisting in strategic planning efforts and representing Berquam in her absence.

The positions have responsibility for supervising the Student Advocacy and Judicial Affairs team and a wide range of student life units, including International Student Services, the McBurney Disability Resource Center, and the Associated Students of Madison, among others. A specific division of duties between Helmkamp and Wade will be decided later this fall, Berquam says.

In addition, Berquam named Alicia Jackson, director of diversity and geographic outreach at the Wisconsin Alumni Association, to an open position as Special Assistant to the Dean.

"Alicia’s commitment to and passion for working with students is evident and I’m looking forward to working with her," Berquam adds.

Jackson fills a position previously held by Lia Ernst, who left to attend law school at the University of Michigan. Her first day will be Aug. 8.

Helmkamp and Wade will have $94,000 salaries; Jackson will receive $50,000.

The associate dean search committee was chaired by Cathy Trueba, director of the McBurney Center. Five finalists were considered for each of the two openings.