Campus Center for Real Estate announces new leadership

The UW–Madison Center for Real Estate (formerly the Center for Urban Land Economics Research) has announced Tim Riddiough is its new academic director.

Riddiough, who holds the E.J. Plesko Chair of Real Estate, will oversee all aspects of the center’s operations, including oversight of curriculum development, student enrichment, outreach and executive education programs, research endeavors and financial activities. Riddiough earned his Ph.D. from UW–Madison and was a tenured professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology prior to returning to Madison in 2001.

Michael Mihelbergel, a current member of the center’s board, joined the center as executive director in February. Mihelbergel is responsible for continued growth of the center, expansion of its role within the School of Business’ new MBA program and maintenance of its smooth operation. He will focus on fund raising, corporate/board/alumni relations and educational program development. He will also teach courses in real estate finance and investments. Mihelbergel has more than 30 years in the real estate industry and most recently was managing director in the Bank of America’s Real Estate Banking Group.

Kerry Vandell, professor and Tiefenthaler Chair of Real Estate, was director of the center since 1988 and stepped down as of July 1, 2004. Vandell helped build one of the finest real estate departments in the world, reconnected and elevated the real estate program within the university and scholarly community in the United States and abroad, expanded the curriculum, and established a strong commitment to community and professional outreach.

For additional information about Wisconsin’s real estate program, contact the center’s assistant director, Lee Gottschalk, 265-2032.