School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences

After a decade of serving as director of SAFS, André Punt is stepping down to focus on his teaching and research. Over the past ten years, he has navigated the School through challenging times, such as the ongoing pandemic, as well as historic highs, like the Centennial Celebration in 2019. Please join us in thanking André for going above and beyond as SAFS Director.

“André brought a wide range of skills to his role as Director of SAFS. He prided himself on data-driven decisions in scholarship as well as departmental management, and he could be depended upon to keep the Dean’s office on our toes in providing timely and accurate reports to chairs and directors. Underlying his drive to quantify is a deep commitment to doing the right thing. Beyond data, he is known for his warmth, humor, and abiding concern for the wellbeing of students, staff, and faculty. He cares deeply about the future of fisheries as well as the future of all those people who depend on the sustainability of the resource. He has left a fine legacy as Director that will serve SAFS for years to come.”

Lisa Graumlich, former Dean, College of the Environment

“André stepped into the Director’s chair at a rough time for the School. The University was still reeling from the great recession and the School’s budget situation was perilous. He stepped in and did what few could pull off: dig deep into the minutiae of the School’s finances, track every penny spent on every budget, ultimately putting the School on solid footing for the future. At the same time, André approached the position as a partnership: a partnership between him and his staff, between him and the faculty, and between him and the students. He always put the School’s needs first, and he created a new model for transparency in decision making in the School.”

Tim Essington, Professor, SAFS

“As we approach the final season with Dr. André Punt as the Director of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, I think it is important to recognize and appreciate what he has done for the School. It would be an understatement to say that the past several years have offered up some challenges. André has served a central role in the success of our School, championing its members and leading the way for continued success going forward. I do not think even André could have ever predicted the dynamic role the Director has had to serve these past few years, yet he has shown up everyday to do what was necessary for the rest of the community to teach, learn, and grow. It has been a pleasure working with him, and I thank him for serving as director for the last 10 years.”

Steven Roberts, Professor, SAFS