Office of Dean and Director

Troy Runge: Interim Dean and Director

Troy Runge became interim dean of UW–Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in July 2026. Prior to that, he served as CALS associate dean for research and extension. In those joint roles, he fostered a robust research environment and ensured compliance with funding agency requirements, animal care and use regulations, biosafety standards, intellectual property policies, and the responsible conduct of research. He also managed the college’s partnership with the Division of Extension, supporting Extension-funded faculty and staff while strengthening the integration of research, teaching, and outreach across Wisconsin.

A professor of biological systems engineering, Runge’s research focuses on biobased products and bioprocessing systems, with an emphasis on developing sustainable technologies that add value to renewable resources.

Raised on a Wisconsin dairy farm, Runge developed an early appreciation for agriculture, natural resources, and innovation. He earned a Ph.D. in paper science and engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and began his professional career with Kimberly-Clark Corporation. He joined the UW–Madison faculty in 2009, where he has built a distinguished career as a researcher, educator, and academic leader.

Executive Assistant