For the City Times

Eric Yonke, history professor and study abroad director at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, has been named interim dean of the College of Letters and Science.

He succeeds Chris Cirmo, who died unexpectedly in May. Yonke will serve as dean for two years, effective July 1.

Yonke joined the History and International Studies Department faculty in 1990 and taught courses in European history, world history and history of human rights. He served as coordinator of the international studies major; led numerous study abroad trips, including a long-running Holocaust study tour; and created the UW-Stevens Point peace studies minor.

History is one of 13 academic departments in the College of Letters and Science, which also includes biology, chemistry, computing, English, math, physics, political science, psychology and sociology, among others.

Yonke has served as study abroad director since 2006. Nearly 20 percent of UW-Stevens Point students take advantage of study programs in more than 25 countries, varying from three weeks to semester-long or academic year programs.

“Eric has a long and distinguished record of service at UW-Stevens Point. Given that and his thoughtful and collaborative approach to decision making, I’m confident he will do an outstanding job as interim dean of the College of Letters and Science,” said Greg Summers, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, in announcing the selection.

Yonke also has extensive experience in faculty governance, serving as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee and on international affairs and historic preservation committees. He has also served many years as a leader of the Wisconsin Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies.

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Portage County and the State Historic Preservation Committee.