The Universities of Wisconsin invite applications and nominations for the position of Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (UWO). The next leader succeeds Dr. Andrew J. Leavitt, 11th Chancellor of the university, who will step away from the role on June 30, 2025, after 10 years of distinguished service.
With a more than 150-year history, UWO is a university of higher education in the highly respected Universities of Wisconsin, deeply connected with partners throughout its home region. UWO embraces the ideals of the Wisconsin Idea, one of the longest and most fundamental traditions that links the constellation of 13 universities forming the Universities of Wisconsin.
UWO serves approximately 13,000 students, including undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and approximately 5,000 high school learners throughout Wisconsin pursuing UWO college credits. The university is driven by a dedicated workforce of more than 1,200 employees who serve campuses in Oshkosh and Menasha. The latter campus, UWO Fox Cities, will discontinue teaching and learning on June 30, 2025.
UWO’s NCAA Division III athletic program is among the very best in the nation. The university also serves as an arts and cultural center as well as an educational program and services space to the scenic Fox River Valley region of central northeast Wisconsin. The Oshkosh campus is strategically located in a thriving economic and cultural corridor of dynamic, growing, mid-sized communities that stretch from Milwaukee to Green Bay.
The next UWO chancellor will advance the university’s regional standing and strengthen its reputation as a source of public good—a generator of knowledge, talent, leadership, creativity, entrepreneurialism, and solutions that enriches communities, organizations, and the broader Fox Valley and Northeast Wisconsin economy.
The ideal candidate for chancellor will embody many of the following characteristics and qualifications: A deep respect and aptitude for understanding learners’ many origins, needs, aspirations, obstacles, achievements, and hopes; a track record of anticipating and successfully navigating change, particularly through the headwinds and pressures reshaping the higher education landscape; a balance of command and creativity in the financial stewardship of large, complex organizations; an unwavering commitment to ethical, analytical, inclusive decision making informed both by data and an array of human perspectives; a passion and flair for sharing UWO’s story and promise with prospective students, legislators, community partners, donors, media representatives, and other potential university allies and partners; a commitment to effectively leading the university’s political advocacy efforts, navigating political processes and engaging conversations that advance the institution; an open mind and open door prioritizing accessibility and approachability so that members of the university and broader community know they have opportunities to be heard and valued; an enthusiasm for the life of the university and a willingness to join students, faculty and staff members, alumni, and others as they enjoy its academic, artistic, athletic, and entrepreneurial richness; a readiness to explore and pursue sustainability in all its dimensions, from ecological to financial; a demonstrated history of partnership building and an ethos that recognizes the university’s positive influence as it is, and must continue to be, woven into the fabric of the community, region, and local economy; and a successful record of leadership in higher education or equivalent administration experience.
The executive search firm Storbeck Search/DSG Global is assisting UW–Oshkosh in the search for its next chancellor. Steve Leo, Managing Director, and Vicki Henderson, Senior Associate, will be assisting in the search.
For best consideration, please submit a curriculum vitae and letter of interest using the DSG candidate portal.
Inquiries and nominations are invited and can be directed to Storbeck Search at UWOshkoshChancellor@storbecksearch.com
This is a full-time position that will be performed on site in Wisconsin. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
The position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by February 17, 2025, are assured full consideration. Nominations and expressions of interest will be treated in confidence. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. The university will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except as required by Wis. Stat. § 19.36(7), which requires disclosure of those identified as final candidates for the position of chancellor. Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require applicants and references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and harassment. Material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. Salary will be commensurate with experience and includes a generous benefits package.
