Increasing the visibility of graduate school-level education is among the goals of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh’s new Dean of Graduate Studies.

On July 1, Professor Susan Cramer, Ph.D., will become the program’s leader.

Since 1962, UW Oshkosh’s graduate school programs have awarded more than 12,000 master’s degrees.

“I am a strong advocate for the University and I wish to increase visibility of graduate education,” Cramer said. “For me personally, it was the next logical step in my career.”

Cramer’s role as the Dean will be a collaborative one. She’ll work with the Office of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Council on campus.

“Dr. Cramer comes to the position with extensive experience in graduate education,” Lane Earns, provost and vice chancellor at UW Oshkosh said in a May message to the campus community annoucing Cramer’s appointment. “The Dean of Graduate Studies, in collaboration with the Office of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Council, will play a central role in increasing the contribution of graduate education to the University’s educational mission.”

Cramer is new to the role of Dean, but isn’t new to UW Oshkosh. She has served as a faculty member in the Educational Leadership Program since 1990 and has a long history of contributing her time through various initiatives including: Program Coordinator in Educational Leadership, HSEL Department Chair, College of Education and Human Services (COEHS) Accreditation (DPI) Co-Coordinator, University Accreditation (HLC) Co-writer, COEHS Assistant Dean, COEHS Assistant NCATE Coordinator, Interim Grants Director and Faculty Development Board Chair.

“I enjoy challenges and this is just an exciting and challenging opportunity,” said Cramer, who has expertise in instructional technology, curriculum, leadership, program planning and evaluation.

Greg Wypiszynski, director of graduate services, feels Cramer will be a benefit to both students and faculty.

“This is a great idea because it gives graduate studies a voice and makes them highly visible. It also gives graduate studies an identity,” Wypiszynski said. “I really do think Sue is truly committed to graduate studies and graduate students. She has been involved with graduate studies for a long time and understands the needs of the programs and graduate students.”

UW Oshkosh’s Graduate Studies program offers 13 master’s degree programs and 13 graduate certificate programs in a wide array of disciplines. One doctoral program and one graduate achievement program also are offered at UW Oshkosh and fall within Graduate Studies programming.

“I am excited for my new role; I understand a lot of the challenges that are ahead and look at this as an opportunity for everyone to grow,” Cramer said.

Learn more:

• UW Oshkosh Graduate Studies