First dean of distance, continuing, and graduate education chosen

Dr. Craig wilson

Dr. Craig Wilson will be the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s first dean of distance, continuing, and graduate education. Following a national search by an internal committee, Wilson will officially join UW-Platteville on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018.

Wilson currently serves as a global education consultant for College MUNDO Corp. in Florida. Prior to that he was associate dean of strategy and innovation at the University of Miami in Florida. In that capacity, he led and managed online and campus-based programs and services to students ages 11 and older.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wilson joining our team,” said Dr. Joanne Wilson, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UW-Platteville. “His knowledge, leadership and enthusiasm will serve us well as we move into a critical era with distance, continuing and graduate education.”

Craig Wilson has a breadth of experience in all three areas that the dean position will be responsible for as he assumes this role. He founded the Distance Learning Institute at the University of Miami, a central point for online course development, research and online faculty training and preparation.

“I am delighted to join such a wonderfully innovative academic team at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville,” said Wilson. “It's rare to find an institute of higher learning that finely balances the strengths of its long, rich tradition with a pioneering spirit to boldly meet challenges and explore future opportunities. UW-Platteville is that rare find. With caring faculty, staff and administrators, and programs delivered on campus, online, and blended to meet the needs of its learners, it's no wonder the vibes on campus are so positive. Simply put, UW-Platteville is where I want to be."

Prior to his work at the University of Miami, Wilson served as school director of the school of business at Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida. As school director, he led all academic programs and support services across six campuses and two community outreach centers. While in this role, he spearheaded efforts to create the college’s first online degree program.

Graduate studies at UW-Platteville is being included with distance and continuing education, which will be led by Wilson. Dawn Drake, who recently retired, served as executive director of Alternative Delivery Systems, which covered distance and continuing education.