Dr. Manohar Singh named chancellor of UW-Oshkosh

MADISON, Wis.—Dr. Manohar Singh, interim president of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, Conn., has been named the next Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. He is its 12th leader.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents today unanimously approved Singh’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Singh will assume the leadership post on July 1.

“The engagement of the UW-Oshkosh campus community in the search process was significant, and the enthusiasm for what comes next was palpable,” said Regent Ashok Rai, chair of the Search and Screen Committee. “We feel that Dr. Singh possesses the talent and skill to harness the energy on campus and lead it into a bright future.”

Singh has served as interim president of Western Connecticut State University since 2023. Prior to that he was Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Conn. He has held leadership posts at Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.; Penn State University Abington in Abington, Pa.; and Long Island University Post in Brookville, N.Y. He has also been a professor of finance at several universities.

“As a first-generation college graduate, Manohar Singh believes in the power of higher education to improve lives and is a collaborative leader who builds consensus,” said Jay Rothman, president of the Universities of Wisconsin. “His background in finance and administration will further benefit UW-Oshkosh.”

“Dr. Singh’s ability to focus on student success while balancing the books will be critical at UW-Oshkosh,” said Regent President Amy B. Bogost. “His track record in Connecticut navigating enrollment and financial challenges is impressive.”

“I am moved by the passion of UW-Oshkosh students pursuing their dreams, the devotion of faculty mentoring them with compassion and rigor, and the dedication of staff ensuring student success every step of the way,” Singh said. “They are the reason I believe in the promise of this university—and the boundless potential of what we can achieve together.

At Western Connecticut under Singh’s leadership, the university reached financial stability, reversed years of enrollment decline, expanded athletic programs, and introduced new academic offerings.

Singh earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from Punjab University-Chandigarh, India, as well as a master’s degree in economics from University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. He earned a Ph.D. in finance from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill.

President Rothman and the Special Regent Committee for the UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Search recommended Singh to the full Board of Regents. The Committee includes Regents Rai, chair; Desmond Adongo; Haben Goitom; Jim Kreuser; Timothy Nixon; and Karen Walsh.

The Search and Screen Committee includes members of the Special Regent Committee and Andrew Smock, Associate Professor, Department of Radio TV Film, College of Letters & Science, vice chair; Holly Brenner, Board Chair, UW-Oshkosh Foundation; Seon Yoon Chung, Dean, College of Nursing; David Fuller, Professor, Department of Economics, College of Business; Allison Kunde, Administrative Assistant III, Provost’s Office; Chrissy Lambie, Assistant Director, Career & Professional Development; Aaron Sherer, Executive Director, Paine Art Center and Gardens; and Sandy Yanez Velasquez, Director of Staff, UW-Oshkosh Student Government.

He succeeds Andrew Leavitt, who plans to teach chemistry at UW-Oshkosh after a year away at another university.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.