The chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Wisconsin has been reappointed by the dean of Fine Arts and Communication.

Professor Ken Risch who came to UWSP in 2000 from Tulane University, was appointed to a second three-year term by Dean Gerard McKenna. The appointment came with a unanimous recommendation of the members of his department.

"Professor Risch has provided the community with outstanding performances in theatre and has done a remarkable job both as a chairperson and as a director," McKenna said.

His most recent work as director was seen in the play "Elephant Man." Risch received high praise for the quality and impact of the play, according to McKenna. He also produced and directed a well-received summer series in Jenkins Theatre. He continues to provide his expertise to the Central Wisconsin Area Community Theatre and has built important connections between the department and the community, according to the dean.

"Ken is highly effective in keeping students and faculty focused on the mission of the department. This is about �quality� and Ken is the perfect individual to make sure that students receive the best training possible," McKenna says.

Risch, a native of Manitowoc, holds degrees from UW-Oshkosh and the University of Minnesota.

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