Editor’s note: Per below, Rebecca Mueller, Associate Research Administration Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, UW-Whitewater, has been named to serve on the Presidential Search Committee for the Universities of Wisconsin. As was reported on The Banner, former president Jay Rothman was terminated from his role in early April. The president, together with the Board of Regents, oversees the 13 Universities of Wisconsin campuses, including UW-Whitewater.
Presidential Search Committee named to lead Universities of Wisconsin presidential search
UW-Superior chancellor Renée Wachter to serve as interim president
Amy B. Bogost, President of the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents, has appointed a 25-member Presidential Search Committee to help identify the next Universities of Wisconsin president.
Bogost also announced today that she appointed Renée Wachter, chancellor of UW-Superior, as the Interim President of the Universities of Wisconsin effective May 18.
The Presidential Search Committee will be led by Regent Ashok Rai, chair.
“Without the Universities of Wisconsin, Wisconsin would be a very different state. It would be less competitive, less innovative, and less prepared for the future,” Bogost said. “Our 13 public universities educate the next generation, power our workforce, sustain communities, support thousands of jobs, attract research and investment, and produce discoveries that improve lives here in Wisconsin and far beyond. The next president must bring the courage, discipline, and forward-looking leadership needed to guide the Universities of Wisconsin through one of the most consequential periods in higher education.”
In appointing Wachter, Bogost said she conferred with Regent colleagues and chancellors and found strong support for Wachter – the senior-most chancellor in the Universities of Wisconsin – as the Board begins its search for a permanent president.
“Renée brings the experience, judgment, and institutional understanding this moment requires,” Bogost said. “As our longest-serving chancellor, she knows our universities, our communities, and the challenges and opportunities facing public higher education in Wisconsin. She has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across the system through steady leadership and a collaborative approach. At a time when continuity, focus, and forward momentum are essential, the Board is confident she understands what must be done to support our universities during this transition.”
The Universities of Wisconsin serve more than 164,600 students and, as the state’s talent pipeline, award more than 37,000 degrees annually. With 13 universities all across Wisconsin, including two major research universities, 10 comprehensive universities, and one polytechnic university, the UWs offer value and impact to students, communities, and the public.
In addition to Rai, the members of the search committee include:
- Ian Abston, President, Forward 48 and Hoan Group, UW-Oshkosh alumnus
- Angela Adams, Regent
- Lynn Akey, Chancellor, UW-Parkside
- Tracie Banning, Academic Department Associate, Educational Studies, UW-La Crosse
- Johannes Britz, Senior Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs, Universities of Wisconsin Administration
- Kate Burns, Provost, UW-Green Bay
- Raffay Chaudhry, Speaker of the Senate, Student Government Association, UW-Green Bay
- Katherine Frank, Chancellor, UW-Stout
- Noah Fritz, Student Regent
- Thomas Gibson, Chancellor, UW-Milwaukee
- Michael Gilmer, Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment and Dean of Students, UW-River Falls
- Julie Gordon, Vice President, Finance and Administration, Universities of Wisconsin Administration
- Marquell Johnson, Professor and Department Chair, Kinesiology, UW-Eau Claire
- Jim Kreuser, Regent
- Edwin Martini, incoming Chancellor, UW-Eau Claire
- Rebecca Mueller, Associate Research Administration Director, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, UW-Whitewater
- Tom Palzewicz, Regent
- Joan Prince, Regent
- Matt Richards, Member, Board of Directors, UW-Platteville Foundation and Alumni Association
- Sara Rogers, Regent
- Kristi Roth, Professor, School of Education, UW-Stevens Point
- Nicholle Schuelke, Professor of Teacher Education, Chair of Department of Education, UW-Superior
- Bill Westrate, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, American Family Insurance
- John Zumbrunnen, Provost, UW-Madison
The Presidential Search Committee is expected to convene in the coming weeks to receive its formal charge and review search procedures. A team of staff from Universities of Wisconsin Human Resources, the Office of the Board of Regents, and the executive search firm AGB Search will support the committee throughout the process.
More details regarding the selection process will be released in the coming weeks. The successful candidate will require the approval of the full Board of Regents and is anticipated to be selected later this year.
