In a recent e-mail to the Biological Station staff and research community, LSA Dean Terry McDonald said he was "especially pleased to report that Knute [Nadelhoffer] has agreed to continue as your Director for an additional five-year term through June 30, 2018."

The letter marked a six month review process that included input from faculty, staff and students and review by the LSA Dean's Office.

Nadelhoffer's reappointment is good news in many respects.  It provides stability in the leadership of the Station through current and future budget challenges and the University's next fundraising campaign.  It maintains funding continuity for the Station's grant-funded research on which he is an investigator.  And, not insignificantly, it keeps his friendly and enthusiastic presence engaged with alumni, friends, and potential partners around the world.

"It has been a pleasure to work with Biological Station students, faculty, researchers, and staff during the past 10 years," Nadelhoffer says. " I look forward to working with all of these groups and with those who will be joining us as we build our programs and improve our infrastructure to advance understanding of natural systems both within the Great Lakes region and globally."

Nadelhoffer first came to the Biological Station in 2003.  Before that, he spent nearly 20 years at the Marine Biological Laboratory's Ecosystems Center in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.  In the year immediately preceding his arrival at UMBS, Nadelhoffer served as Co-Director of the National Science Foundation Ecosystem Studies Program.

Nadelhoffer's decade-long tenure at the Biological Station puts him in notable company.  Only three past directors have held the position longer:  David Gates (1972-1986); George LaRue (1917-1939); Alfred Stockard (1940-1966).