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Knudson, 42, was named dean of student development and academic services at UW-L on Monday. She’ll start July 1, leaving her position as director of student life at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
She will replace Petra Roter, who left UW-L in July 2005 to take a position as vice chancellor for student affairs at UW-Oshkosh. Mick Miyamoto will finish this academic year as the interim dean; he did not apply for the position.
Knudson was one of three finalists invited for on-campus interviews by the 13-member search and screen committee; more than 30 applied. Miyamoto said there were no internal candidates.
Provost Elizabeth Hitch said UW-L is gaining a “student-centered person” in Knudson, as well as an administrator who understands the importance of being involved in the community surrounding the university.
Knudson described herself as collaborative, adding she injects humor into situations when possible and doesn’t believe work “always has to be work. We’re more creative, more energized, if work is a positive environment.”
She comes from a university and city larger than UW-L and La Crosse. UMD has about 10,000 students, and the 2004 Census listed Duluth’s population at 85,556. UW-L has about 8,000 students and La Crosse had a population of 50,695 in 2004.
The UW-L dean of students oversees at least 12 program areas, including athletics, residence life, student activities and centers, and student life.
Senior Beth Erickson, one of two students on the search committee, described Knud-son as having a “warm personality” and said she felt a positive connection to her during the two times they met.
Paula M. Knudson
Age: 42
Occupation: Starts July 1 as the dean of UW-L’s Student Development and Academic Services Education: Doctorate of philosophy, higher education administration, University of Minnesota, 2003; master of public administration, human resource emphasis, University of Hartford (Conn.), 1989; bachelor of arts, math education and coaching certification, University of Iowa, 1987.
Academic positions held: director of student life, University of Minnesota Duluth, 2000-present; instructor, Depart-ment of Supportive Services Programs, UMD, September 1997-present; First Year Experience program director, UMD, 1993-2000; assistant to the vice president of student affairs, University of Hartford, 1990-1992; area director for housing services, University of Hartford, 1989-1990.
Kate Schott can be reached at Kate.Schott@lacrossetribune.com or (608) 791-8226.
