Dean of Engineering, Mathematics and Science Richard Shultz announced Oct. 14 that he will be retiring at the end of summer 2010.

Shultz announced that his last day as dean will be Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010 at an EMS meeting last week.

Richard Shultz

He said he made the decision because after 25 years at UW-Platteville, he felt the time was right.

Shultz spent 12 years as chair of the electrical engineering department and 13 years as Dean of EMS. He said that his 25-year experience at UW-P was a wonderful time.

“I can’t imagine a better way to spend the major part of my career than here at UW-Platteville,” Shultz said.  “I’ve met some wonderful people and developed some long-lasting friendships.”

Interim Provost Duane Ford said that he is hoping to start the search for a replacement soon so there can be somebody available when Shultz leaves in August. Shultz said he will not be involved in the search for his replacement.

Shultz said that before he leaves, he’d like to finish his work on expanding the international exchange program as well as his work in the student outreach program, which helps teach non-traditional students at other campuses.

“It’s mostly tying up loose ends and making sure what we have going here stays strong,” Shultz said.

After his retirement, Shultz said that he will be doing private consulting in the electric power industry as well as working with start-up universities overseas, but he does not plan on moving out of the Platteville area.

Ford said he was happy for Shultz in his retirement announcement.

“He is a good friend and mentor to me and I’ll miss him,” Ford said.