Bousquet chosen for international studies dean

An accomplished professor and administrator will become the university’s international studies dean.

Gilles Bousquet will take over as dean Jan. 1, Chancellor John Wiley says.

“Gilles has already contributed a great deal of time and energy to improving this university’s international programs,” Wiley says. “He will help us build upon our understanding of other cultures and apply that knowledge within every academic unit.”

Bousquet, professor of French and chair of the Department of French and Italian at UW–Madison, is also director of the Capstone Professional French Masters Program, founding director of the Center for Interdisciplinary French Studies, and co-director of the School of Business’ French-Business Summer Internship Program at UW–Madison. From 1996-2000, he served as director of the European Studies Program.

“Over the last decade, UW–Madison has emerged an undisputed leader in international studies. I will look to build upon these solid foundations,” Bousquet says.

Bousquet replaces David Trubek, who left the post to become director of the Center for World Affairs and the Global Economy at UW–Madison, an organization he helped create.

Michael Hinden, associate dean of International Studies and professor of English, has served as interim dean of international studies since Aug. 1. He will remain in the position until Bousquet starts.

Reporting to the chancellor and provost, the dean of International Studies has three primary roles: senior international education officer for the university; director of the International Institute, a cross-college partnership of 16 area and international studies programs including seven federally funded National Resource Centers; and director of the Office of International Studies and Programs.

The dean provides leadership across the institution in the broad area of international education, and is responsible for strategic planning and coordination. The dean promotes faculty collaboration and initiatives in international research programs.

Bousquet says the role of international studies has become even more important both on campus and around the world in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“Today is a time of heightened tension and deep worry at home and abroad,” he says. “I look forward to working with the international community to better understand our changed world and how we relate to each other in it.”

Bousquet’s annual salary will be $144,000.

Bousquet was among three finalists recommended to Wiley by a 12-member search and screen committee following a nationwide search earlier this year. The other finalists were:

Holli Semetko, professor of audience and public opinion research and chair of the Department of Communication Science in the Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Amsterdam; and Anand Yang, professor of history and director of Asian Studies at the University of Utah.