Announcing the Interim Dean for the College of Letters & Science

Dear Colleagues, 

After an internal search and thorough evaluation of exceptional candidates, Interim Provost Freiburger and I are pleased to announce that Dr. Jason Puskar has been selected as Interim Dean of the College of Letters & Science (L&S). 

This important leadership role will serve as the chief executive and academic officer of the College of Letters & Science, providing leadership, stability, and oversight during a period of transition. Dr. Puskar will begin his position in June 2026, and I am eager to welcome him to the UWM leadership team. 

Dr. Jason Puskar currently serves as the Associate Dean for the Humanities in the College of L&S, a position he has held since 2023. He has been at UWM since 2006 and is a professor in the Department of English. Dr. Puskar has also previously served as the interim dean of the Graduate School and associate dean of the Graduate School. 

I wish to thank the Search and Screen Committee for their service to the university and for advancing a strong pool of candidates and thoughtful recommendations. I also extend my appreciation to Human Resources for their support throughout the search process. 

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to Scott Gronert for his leadership of L&S and his many contributions to UWM, and my well wishes for his retirement. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Puskar on this appointment. I look forward to his contributions as we continue to advance the College of Letters & Science and UWM. 

With appreciation, 

Andrew P. Daire, PhD 

Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs