Dr. Thomas Gibson named chancellor of UW-Milwaukee

MADISON, Wis.—Dr. Thomas Gibson, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, has been named the next Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He is its 10th leader.

The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents today 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. “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, 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.

“Tom Gibson has made a tremendous impact at UW-Stevens Point, and he will be an extraordinary leader for UW-Milwaukee,” Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said. “Balancing an enthusiasm for students with an ability to drive community and business partnerships, Tom is always moving forward. He will do the same at UW-Milwaukee and continue to build on its status as a top-tier research university.”

“Tom has impressed us with his leadership style and grace,” said Regent President Amy B. Bogost. “He has handled every challenge facing him, from improving enrollment to resolving structural deficits to building external support. He was the right leader at the right time to move UW-Stevens Point forward, and I have the same expectations for him at UW-Milwaukee.”

“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.”

“Tom has been a terrific colleague at the Universities of Wisconsin,” said outgoing UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Mark Mone. “His experience and passion will serve what we have built at UW-Milwaukee well.”

“I know Dr. Gibson is committed to community partnerships, business development, and the innovation that comes from faculty research,” said Brian Thompson, Chief Innovation and Partnership Officer in the UWM Office of Strategic Partnerships. “The Lubar Entrepreneurship Center and UWM innovators are eager to work with him.”

Prior to joining UW-Stevens Point, Dr. Gibson served as vice president for Student Affairs and vice provost at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. In that role, he advocated for the academic and social development of students, devised institutional policies, engaged in strategic planning, and led student success efforts. He also led efforts to increase record student retention and helped raise $8 million with University Advancement.

He has held numerous positions to enhance student success and promote access in higher education. He was associate vice president of Student Affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. He held several roles at York College, City University of New York in New York City, including associate dean for student development. He led academic support services at Queens College/CUNY and the University of Connecticut at Stamford.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Connecticut State University; his master’s in education from University of New Haven, Conn.; and his doctorate in educational leadership in higher education at Johnson & Wales University, Providence, R.I.

President Rothman and the Special Regent Committee for the UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Search recommended Gibson to the full Board of Regents. The Committee includes Regents Prince, chair; Bogost; Héctor Colón, Jack Salzwedel, and Kyle Weatherly.

The Search and Screen Committee includes members of the Special Regent Committee and Gillian Rodger, Chair and Professor of the Department of Music, Peck School of the Arts, Vice Chair; Nicholas Bauer, Founding Partner, Operose Advisors; Barry Cameron, Associate Professor, Department of Geosciences; Tanner Cronce, Vice President of Student Affairs, UWM Student Association; David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive; Gail Dukes, Benefits Specialist, UWM Department of Human Resources; Jacquelyn Fredrick, Board Member, UWM Research Foundation; Rebecca Marie Freer, Associate Dean of Students; David Lubar, President and CEO, Lubar & Co.; Amber Moreno-Padilla, Student, UWM; and Julia Snethen, Professor, School of Nursing.

Gibson will earn $575,000 as chancellor. A decision regarding an interim chancellor for UW-Stevens Point is forthcoming.

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.