{"id":1834,"date":"2026-06-23T09:49:27","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T14:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/chancellor\/?page_id=1834"},"modified":"2026-09-30T09:22:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T14:22:46","slug":"inauguration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/chancellor\/inauguration\/","title":{"rendered":"The Inauguration of Thomas Gibson"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Inauguration of Thomas Gibson<\/h1><\/header>\n\n\n

In the spirit of “Always Dream Bigger,” the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee community celebrated the inauguration of Dr. Thomas Gibson as UWM\u2019s 10th chancellor on Sept. 25, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From a pop-up roller disco party and drone show to a book drive and classroom reading at a neighborhood elementary school, Inauguration Week was all about community and a celebration of dreaming bigger. Through these photos and videos, you can get a glimpse of the joy leading up to and including Chancellor Gibson\u2019s inauguration. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Send your congratulations or upload a file with your greeting to Chancellor Gibson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ceremony Videos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dozens of students took part in the inauguration ceremony, performing musical selections, presenting the Chancellor\u2019s medallion and introducing Chancellor Gibson. Several of the chancellor\u2019s mentors and colleagues as well as leaders within the state of Wisconsin and Universities of Wisconsin gave remarks. An English Department faculty member and poet delivered his original piece for the occasion, and chairs of UWM governance groups also spoke. UWM alumna Peggy Williams-Smith, president and CEO of Visit Milwaukee, served as emcee.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his speech, Gibson described being a first-generation college student and of how his dreams grew as his career developed. He also spoke of his vision for UWM\u2019s future, announcing three imperatives to guide the university forward: <\/p>\n\n\n\n