Dr. Thomas Gibson has been named the next chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, the university announced on Monday. Gibson, who is currently the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, will become UW-Milwaukee’s 10th leader.
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents unanimously approved Gibson’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Gibson will assume the leadership post on or about July 1.
“As a Milwaukee native with four degrees from UW-Milwaukee, where I also worked for more than 20 years, I look forward to Tom’s leadership of our great university,” said Regent Joan Prince, chair of the Search and Screen Committee, in a press release. “He understands what is important to students, creates a culture of support and purpose among faculty and staff, and develops trust with community and business leaders.”
Since January 2021, Gibson has been chancellor of UW-Stevens Point. In that time, according to a press release from UW-Milwaukee, the university has created new opportunities for graduate and first-year students, experienced two consecutive years of enrollment growth, and secured major philanthropic gifts from business and individual partners—including $10 million from Sentry Insurance for the new Sentry School of Business and Economics, donations of land for College of Natural Resources research, the Skyward Internship Center on campus, and a faculty fellowship in cello and music studies.
“I’m honored and humbled to be appointed chancellor of UW-Milwaukee, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff to collectively define a vision for the future,” Gibson said. “Students considering UW-Milwaukee should know that our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success, and I’ll be right there with them cheering you on.”
