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News & Events

Meet Human Ecology’s new Dean’s Advisory Board members: Kurt Hardy and Elise Linehan

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Kurt Hardy, Human Ecology Dean’s Advisory Board member

Two outstanding industry leaders have joined the School of Human Ecology Dean’s Advisory Board. A warm welcome to Kurt Hardy ’88 and Elise Linehan ’83!

Hardy graduated from UW–Madison with a BA in Economics and International Relations and has spent most of his career leading the selling, marketing and international operations of some of the most recognized, premium consumer brands in the world. Currently, Hardy is the president of Profectus Global Advisors.

A white woman smiling, with short auburn hair, wearing a blue blazer and a pearl necklace with silver charm.
Elise Linehan, Human Ecology Dean’s Advisory Board member

Linehan is a Human Ecology alumna with a BS in Retailing. At the heart of her professional career are her two passions of retail and product development. Linehan started out in the buying office at Dayton Hudson Marshall Field’s, which led her to more than 20 years of executive leadership roles in product development, retail merchandising and global resourcing.

In the following Q&A, we connected with the new Dean’s Advisory Board members to get to know them and learn about what excites them about Human Ecology.

What phrase do you live by, and how does it drive you?

Hardy: Always be learning. Curiosity is the basis of learning. Being able to think differently has solved some of the world’s greatest problems. I try to challenge myself daily to do something differently. I’ve experienced both positive results and other times learned my choice might not be the best answer. Either way, I’ve expanded my knowledge base.

Linehan: Resilience is everything. Being resilient gives me the flexibility and confidence to creatively solve the many challenges faced in life and business. It also drives me to continuously push myself to embrace change and find ways to adapt and thrive.

What advice would you give to students beginning their careers?

Hardy: Never be the smartest person in the room — even if you might be! Instead, be open and vulnerable, which will help you and others to grow. Always be curious, and even ask questions that you may already know the answer to. I guarantee that one day you will be surprised and learn a new way to tackle an old challenge. Also, great things can happen if you challenge yourself and others to think about how things can be done instead of why they can’t. Having a “how can we” mindset is not only human-centric, but it’s also at the center of all innovation.

Linehan: Immerse yourself in whatever path or direction you are set on, while also staying open to all career possibilities. Don’t limit yourself. Say “yes” more than “no.” Being a good listener and following through on your commitments are key to a successful career trajectory. Focus on your responsibilities but also figure out ways you can add value.

How does the School of Human Ecology inspire you?

Hardy: We are so very fortunate to have dedicated students, faculty and administration within the School of Human Ecology who both inspire and lead. The diversity of people, majors and fields of study provide fertile ground from which to grow new ideas and new ways of thinking. As I speak to the students, I am continually moved by their incredible knowledge, energy and passion for positive change in the world.

Linehan: It is inspiring to see how Dean Shim’s vision has led the school to exponentially grow. By responding to continually evolving fields like Personal Finance, the school prepares students to address critical issues in our world today. The internship program at the school is exceptional and gives undergraduate students a true competitive advantage when looking for a job. Our graduate students and faculty have a palpable passion for solving problems through their research.

What opportunities do you see for a human-centered approach to make a difference for organizations, from local to global?

Hardy: The need for human ecologists has never been greater, and the opportunities to make a positive impact are endless! Regardless of our chosen profession or where our lives and careers take us, we desperately need to use our influence and training as human ecologists. As change happens, we make certain to start first with — and center all that we do on — the role of the human in the equation. This is the only approach that can ensure a society that will continue to thrive.

Linehan: Every organization benefits from a human-centered approach. As artificial intelligence becomes more pervasive within organizations, using a human-centric filter is essential. Having the discipline to keep people and their needs at the center of problem solving and design thinking, significantly increases positive outcomes — whether focused on climate change, income inequality or ageism.