Interview with Earl Gierke

Abstract

Tape recorded interview conducted on October 14, 1987 by Philip Sawin with Earl Gierke in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Dr. Gierke came to Stout in 1962 to teach math. Gierke served as the Chair of the Mathematics Department from 1964 until 1971 when he was named Curriculum Coordinator. Gierke was instrumental in the establishment of the Applied Math Program. In 1977, he became Assistant Vice Chancellor and in 1985 he became Associate Vice Chancellor, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. During the interview, Gierke discusses the Math Department, Applied Math Program, computers at Stout, the Curriculum Committee, Faculty Senate, UW System merger, a proposed engineering program, the Vice Chancellor's Office, faculty and academic staff personnel issues, Academic Affairs Administrative Team, the budget, the Menomonie community, student protests, proposed ROTC on campus controversy, William J. Micheels, and UW-Stout's philosophy.