Dear Colleagues,
During my first 100 days at UWM, I met with students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, board members, business leaders, elected officials and friends of UWM. These meetings have reinforced what I already knew — that UWMdelivers impactful outcomes for individuals, employers and the broader community. I have learned about the challenges we face as an institution that I am prepared to address, and the strategic opportunities I am eager to explore.
In these settings, I have been reiterating my commitment to the 2030 pillars that guide my decision making:
- Advancing student success and elevating the student experience and journey
- Fostering a positive employee experience
- Driving research, innovation and community partnerships
- Building models of fiscal sustainability
I am announcing these administrative changes, effective Nov. 1, 2025, that align with our 2030 goals and that I believe position UWM for long-term stability and growth.
- The role of vice provost for research, held by Dr. Ali Abedi, will move to a vice chancellor of research position and will now report to me. Dr. Abedi will continue his important work leading our research mission. It is standard practice at R1 institutions to have the research leader housed in the Chancellor’s Office, and this realignment is timely given the fast-paced changes happening nationwide in the research landscape.
- The Government and External Relations department will move into the Office of the Chancellor, and Chief Government Relations Officer (CGRO) Keri Duce will become a direct report to the chancellor. This department includes functions related to government relations, campus-wide events, neighborhood relations and public records. Governmental actions at all levels impact university operations, often with minimal notice. A direct reporting relationship between the chancellor and the CGRO streamlines campus’ ability to manage changes and the impact on multiple fronts including budget, research and student services.
- A search will soon commence for a vice chancellor for the marketing and communications functions. While the details of the search process have yet to be finalized, our goal is to launch the search in the coming months with a target hire date in the Spring 2026 semester. This position is of utmost importance to achieving all four 2030 pillars. Further, our brand, reputation and image drive choices made by individuals and businesses including, but not limited to:
- Where to go to school or whether to stay at UWM
- What philanthropic gifts to make
- What job candidates to hire
- Partnership opportunities
I am confident that each of these changes adds value toward the fulfillment of our mission: to provide broad educational access, improve society through research and engage with the community beyond the borders of UWM. We are recognized for excellence in all three areas and, with the support and contribution of every UWMemployee, I know we will continue to shine and thrive.
Best,
Dr. Thomas Gibson
Chancellor