Campus Connection

Tackling complex questions, strengthening a college community 

During his 18 years as a political science professor, Tim Dale specialized in the study of how society tackles difficult, controversial issues.  

Now, as the new associate dean in the College of Business Administration (CBA), he is bringing this experience to a new position, applying lessons from both politics and previous administrative positions to the collaborative work involved in leading the CBA.  

Joining Dean TJ Brooks as part of the CBA leadership team, Dale explains, "I’m passionate about how institutions can be designed to make good decisions, and in the CBA we are constantly working through difficult questions to uncover things that can be improved, developed or enhanced." 

As the new Associate Dean of the CBA, Dale’s responsibilities include implementing student-facing initiatives, supporting academic programs, and managing AACSB accreditation efforts. His portfolio also includes supporting faculty through professional development initiatives, onboarding programs, and workshops aimed at enhancing teaching effectiveness. Dale also works to improve student success by strengthening engagement strategies, supporting student organizations, and collaborating with advisors on academic career planning. Additionally, he provides administrative support for curriculum assessment and revision.

Dale is no stranger to navigating tough, multifaceted challenges. Throughout his career, he has gravitated toward leadership positions where these complex issues emerge. As the university’s general education coordinator, he helped support the recent reshaping of the university’s general education curriculum, managing input and approval with a wide range of groups at the table. Prior to his role as general education coordinator, Dale served as first year seminar coordinator, working with campus partners to create the newly required course, and facilitating the collaboration to produce this major curriculum change to incorporate high-impact practices for more students. 

Dale’s position prior to joining the CBA, serving as interim associate dean of CASSH (College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities), confirmed his desire to continue participating in conversations about how UWL makes key decisions for students. And that transition from CASSH to CBA has been smooth, he adds. 

"Curriculum, assessment, and student engagement aren’t confined to one discipline," says Dale. "It’s about creating the best undergraduate experience possible and ensuring as many students as possible benefit from it in the most meaningful way." 

The CBA is built on a strong foundation of shared governance, and Dale is already noticing the benefits of the college’s collaborative nature. He has enjoyed the opportunity to engage in productive discussions during all-college CBA meetings, where topics such as curriculum design, assessment, and degree requirements for majors are tackled. He also meets regularly with presidents of the CBA student organizations to get an inside view on what is working and what isn’t for students in the college. 

"One of my favorite parts of the job is engaging with students and faculty. It’s not just about sending out an email with a list of requirements," says Dale. "It’s about creating a space where the college comes together to discuss how we should engage with the evolving demands of a growing institution like ours." 

The CBA has experienced significant growth in recent years, with enrollment rising by 5-10% annually over the last five years. It is now the second-largest college at UWL, following the College of Science and Health. A key focus for Dale is ensuring that the college’s growth aligns with student needs. He is currently working alongside Jeff Meyer, a development officer for the CBA, and student organizations to identify funding opportunities through new philanthropic initiatives. 

"I enjoy listening to different groups within the college talk about what excites them and finding ways to align those passions with the college’s goals," says Dale. 

Outside the office, Dale is known for his trivia nights, which he has hosted for more than a decade at local coffee shops, The Root Note and Java Vino. His trivia questions, all his own creation, provide a fun way to bring people together. 

"As someone who loves debating nerdy topics, hosting trivia feels like a natural fit for me," he jokes. "But it’s more than that—it’s about building a community of people who enjoy challenging each other and having fun in the process." 

When he’s not hosting trivia or helping to lead the CBA, Dale is busy being a dad. With two children in high school, he spends much of his time at the sidelines of local baseball and soccer games cheering them on. 

The Tim Dale file

In addition to his work as a political science professor, Dale has years of leadership experience at UWL, including: 

• Interim Associate Dean in the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities 
• General Education Coordinator 
• Coordinator of the First Year Seminar 
• Chair of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration