Arts and Sciences dean to step down in 2023
September 16, 2022
Dean Yohnk, dean of the UW-River Falls College of Arts and Sciences, is stepping down effective with the spring 2023 semester. He announced his resignation in a Wednesday, Sept. 14, email to faculty and staff.
Yohnk stated that chronic and continuing health issues are the reason for this decision.
Although Yohnk will be stepping down from the CAS dean position, he will still teach in the Music and Stage and Screen Arts Department beginning in the fall of 2023.
“Teaching has always been my passion and inspiration,” wrote Yohnk.
Karl Peterson will serve as the interim dean for the spring 2023 semester. Peterson is currently the CAS associate dean and a professor teaching chemistry and biotechnology.
Yohnk wrote that “Karl will do a fine job in this interim dean role, and we are very fortunate to have him in this important leadership transition.”
The new nationwide dean search will start soon, according to Provost David Travis. The university is hoping to have all final candidates come to UWRF and to allow CAS students some input on the hiring decision. Travis also stated that the dean’s resignation “should not affect the CAS students in any way.”
Yohnk wrote, “I have truly loved my time at UW-River Falls and look forward to remaining a spirited member of the Falcon Family for years to come.”
The dean was not available for comment before this story was published.