McSweeney appointed interim director for UW Arboretum

Kevin McSweeney, a UW–Madison professor of soil science and environmental studies and director of the School of Natural Resources, will become interim director of the UW–Madison Arboretum effective July 1.

Martin Cadwallader, dean of the UW–Madison Graduate School (of which the Arboretum is a part) selected McSweeney to replace Greg Armstrong, who is retiring after serving as Arboretum director for 21 years.

“Kevin is ideally situated to provide informed leadership for the Arboretum as it addresses its many opportunities and challenges,” says Cadwallader. “The Graduate School will initiate a search for a permanent director of the Arboretum later this summer,” he adds.

McSweeney has enjoyed a long association with the Arboretum, teaching field laboratories using the soil pits in the Arboretum’s “Lost City” for the past 22 years and conducting research on the Francis Hole plots. He is also a member of the Arboretum Committee, which oversees Arboretum activities.

“This is an excellent appointment,” says Armstrong. “Kevin will be a very good interim director. He is a respected educator and research scientist and has administrative experience.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to ensure that the transition between permanent directors runs as seamlessly as possible,” says McSweeney. “I feel that I will be working with one of the most precious and distinctive units on campus, and will strive to maintain and enhance the truly unique contributions that the Arboretum makes to Wisconsin and beyond.”

McSweeney received a bachelor’s degree in geology/botany from the University of Sheffield, England; a certificate in science education from Oxford University; and a master’s degree and doctorate in agronomy/soils from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

His areas of academic interest include application of optical and electron microscopy to study soils and sediments, changes in soil structure resulting from agricultural practices, and land reclamation and restoration. He is currently part of a UW–Madison multidisciplinary team studying agricultural risk management in an era of global climatological change.