Dear Colleagues,
Today marks the beginning of our fall semester, and I am genuinely excited to embark on this new academic year with you.
Since arriving on campus in mid-July, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many members of the UWM community: students, employees, alumni, donors and community partners. Their stories have highlighted the tremendous impact UWM has had on their lives, and I am honored to be part of this vibrant institution.
As we begin this new chapter together, I see an opportunity to approach our shared goals through a fresh lens. I am deeply committed to student success, and I know you are, too. Whether your work happens in the classroom, in a lab, behind the scenes or in student support, you play a vital role in helping our students thrive. Together, we will continue to advance UWM’s mission as a public-serving university dedicated to broad access, impactful research and strong community engagement.
This is a special moment in UWM’s history. Our Make New Waves campaign is gaining momentum, and I invite you to explore these stories of impact and celebrate the students, alumni and employees who are making waves across our campus and beyond. Our updated shuttle buses and the new home page for uwm.edu are two initiatives displaying our Panther pride with more to come.
I hope you will join me at the plenary on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m. in the Wisconsin Room of the Student Union. I plan to share more about my vision for the year ahead and how we can work together to build on UWM’s strengths. A reception following the plenary will give us a chance to meet one another.
I encourage you to explore these and other events as the year starts.
- Milwaukee Panthers Men’s Soccer, Friday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m., Engelmann Stadium
Cheer on UWM as we face off against Eastern Illinois. - Department of Art & Design Faculty Exhibition, Sept. 5-28, Kenilworth Square East Gallery
Celebrate the vibrant artistic community at Peck School of the Arts with this dynamic biennial exhibition. - Milwaukee Panthers Volleyball, Saturday, Sept. 6, at 4 p.m., Klotsche Center
Support UWM as we take on South Alabama. - Active Teaching Lab – AI in Education, Wednesday, Sept. 10, at noon on Zoom
Learn ways to use the newest tools to integrate AI into your classroom. - Campus Tour for Employees, Friday, Sept. 19, at 12:10 p.m., meet at the Union Ground Floor Information Desk
Stretch your legs, connect with your colleagues and discover key buildings and helpful resources across our great campus.
As we begin this academic year, my hope is that we approach our work with curiosity, collaboration and a renewed sense of purpose. I believe in the power of this community, and I’m excited to learn from you, work alongside you and celebrate our shared successes. Wishing you a rewarding and inspiring semester.
Sincerely,
Dr. Thomas Gibson
Chancellor