In difficult economic times it’s always good to know who is leading you. With the budget cuts that UW-Platteville is facing, strong leaders are needed to get us through.

Duane Ford, dean of the college of Business, Industry, Life Science and Agriculture, is one of the people navigating UW-P through these tough financial times.

Photograph by Jodi Krautkramer
Duane Ford, dean of the college of BILSA, can be found in the Tower, room 152, on the first floor.

“The economic challenges that we as a state and nation are having can be felt throughout the community,” Ford said.
Ford is confident that UW-P will make it through the difficulties in the economy despite having to delay or cut programming or other items that BILSA wanted to do.

“We have great leadership,” said Ford. “The Provost and Chancellor have been outstanding to work for.”
Art Ranney, department chair of communication technologies, is a professor in BILSA who has worked with Ford since Ford came to UW-P in 1999.

“I really can’t think of anyone I would rather have making these kinds of decisions,” Ranney said.

Ranney said that Ford has an ability to see issues from different points of view that come up and will give good solutions and compromises. Ford also lightens the mood of the faculty.

“He has a pretty wicked sense of humor,” said Ranney. “We always laugh.”

Ford enjoys his job despite the difficulties. He said that it never gets old because there are always new things happening.

“Every day and every year is different,” said Ford. “I truly enjoy the faculty, staff and students.”

Kay Wilkins, the dean’s assistant, has been working at UW-P since 1971, and has also worked with Ford since his arrival.

“He is very energetic and sharp,” Wilkins said. “He represents and advocates for the college of BILSA very well.”
Ford grew up in Tonica, Ill. on a family farm. Before coming to UW-P, Ford was a professor in the department of agriculture at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirkwood, Missouri.

When Ford isn’t tackling campus issues, he can be found riding his bike or helping his wife with her gardening. With spring finally on its way, Ford said that he will be enjoying the warm weather to come.

Ford said that he sincerely means it when he ends a letter to students coming into the college of BILSA with, “You’re going to love it here.”