Following a nationwide search, University of Wisconsin-Platteville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Laura Reynolds announces the selection of Dr. Travis Nelson as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education.
Nelson has served in the interim role for the past year and served as associate dean of the College of LAE since 2022.
“I am delighted that Dr. Travis Nelson has agreed to serve as permanent dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Education,” said Reynolds. “Dean Nelson provides enthusiasm and dedication to the university and a steady grounding as the college moves forward. I'm excited to work together with Dean Nelson in this permanent role as he continues to be a strong advocate for all programs in the college as well as general education. My gratitude goes out to all who participated in the search process which generated a rich pool of qualified candidates. Sincere thanks go to the search committee and committee chair Dr. David Gillota.”
Nelson joined UW-Platteville in 2010. He is a professor of political science and has also served in the roles of chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences and director of General Education. Nelson earned a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in political science from UW-Madison and bachelor’s degree in political science from Saint Olaf College.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to take on this role and to continue working for a college and university that I care deeply about,” said Nelson. “I’m inspired daily by the amazing things being done by our students, faculty and staff, and it will be a joy and honor to serve as dean and to do all I can to help make those things happen.”