The story of how Human Ecology defied the odds is the subject of a new publication written by award-winning author Doug Moe and Jeanan Yasiri Moe, a School of Human Ecology alumna.
Going from the brink of dissolving to becoming one of the most valued and in demand schools at University of Wisconsin–Madison, as well as nationally, “Unstoppable” chronicles Human Ecology’s transformation under the leadership of Deans Robin Douthitt (left) and Soyeon Shim (right) during the first quarter of the 21st century.
The story highlights bold leadership, astonishing growth and the power of philanthropy to propel progress. It also examines the roots of Human Ecology, dating back to 1903 when the Department of Domestic Science was established at UW–Madison and admitted the first female students to the university.
“Unstoppable” details how Human Ecology has grown into a position of strength and is poised to lead in addressing the great challenges of our time, including artificial intelligence (AI).
“When human ecologists come together to tackle pressing issues like AI, financial security, and healthy parenting, we are unstoppable.” — Dean Soyeon Shim
The extended essay, “A Story of Two Deans, One Vision, and an Unstoppable Future” was published in 2024 during the 175th anniversary of UW–Madison, and is available for download via UW Libraries.