Chancellor

CHANCELLOR

The University of Wisconsin System invites applications and nominations for the position of Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In achievement and prestige, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has long been recognized as one of America’s great public universities. On a lakefront campus that is considered one of the nation’s most picturesque, this public, land-grant institution includes a complete spectrum of liberal arts, sciences, research opportunities, advanced research training, professional programs, and student activities.

As executive head of the institution, the Chancellor is vested with the responsibility of administering Board of Regents policies under the coordinating direction of the President of the University of Wisconsin System and is accountable and reports to the President and the Board on the operation of the institution. Subject to Board policy, the Chancellor, in consultation with the Chancellor’s leadership team and the faculty, is responsible for designing curricula and setting degree requirements; determining academic standards and establishing grading systems; defining and administering institutional standards for faculty peer evaluation and screening candidates for appointment, promotion, and tenure; recommending individual merit increases; administering associated auxiliary services; administering all funds, from whatever source, allocated, generated, or intended for use by the institution; and presiding over UW–Madison’s separate statutory authority to administer campus human resources programs for faculty and staff.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is one of the premier public universities and research institutions in the United States. Created at the same time Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848, the university became the state’s land grant university. It continues to be Wisconsin’s flagship teaching and research university with a statewide, national, and international mission, offering programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels in a wide range of fields, while engaging in extensive scholarly research, continuing adult education, and public service.

With a $3.4 billion budget, UW–Madison educates more than 47,000 students and employs some 24,000 faculty and staff. Composed of 13 schools and colleges, the university offers 292 undergraduate majors and certificates, as well as more than 250 master’s, doctoral, and professional programs. UW–Madison’s research enterprise is one of the most robust in the nation, ranking among the top 10 universities in expenditures.

UW–Madison is guided by the Wisconsin Idea, a century-old principle and public-service charge that the university should improve people’s lives beyond the classroom. The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference, and the Wisconsin Badgers brand is recognized internationally with 23 NCAA Division 1 teams. In 2021, Washington Monthly named UW–Madison the top national public university, citing research excellence, social mobility, and community service. 

With a population of more than 260,000, Madison is Wisconsin’s state capital and the hub of a large metropolitan area. Built on an isthmus and surrounded by lakes, UW–Madison and the city of Madison seamlessly blend together, creating opportunities and an atmosphere unlike any other campus. As both a midsize city and college town, Madison has all the action and amenities of a major metro area without the inconveniences. Milwaukee and Chicago are short drives away, and the Dane County Regional Airport directly connects Madison to major cities around the country. With a robust arts and dining scene, thousands of acres of natural areas, top-rated health care and school systems, and a thriving economy and technology sector, Madison has been recognized as a “Best Place to Live” by numerous publications.

A complete Prospectus, with information about the University of Wisconsin-Madison, priorities for the new Chancellor, and qualifications for the position, may be found at: www.agbsearch.com (“Active Searches,” look for the University of Wisconsin-Madison entry).

The search for the next UW–Madison Chancellor is being assisted by AGB Search, a national firm with recruiting expertise in higher education leadership. There are three representatives assisting the Search and Screen Committee:

Dr. Roderick J. McDavis, Managing Principal, (rod.mcdavis@agbsearch.com)
Dr. Sally K. Mason, Executive Search Consultant, (sally.mason@agbsearch.com)
Dr. Garry W. Owens, Executive Search Consultant, (garry.owens@agbsearch.com)

Prospective nominators or potential candidates are encouraged to contact McDavis, Mason, or Owens directly by email prior to submitting materials.

Application materials must be submitted electronically and should include:

  1. a letter of interest that addresses the candidate’s experiences and qualifications as identified in the Search Prospectus;
  2. a curriculum vitae (please also list your personal email address and cell phone number); and
  3. the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of five references for future contact — please also include your professional relationship with each reference listed. No references will be contacted without prior permission granted by the candidate and not until the final stages of the search.

All candidate names will remain confidential until campus finalists are announced.

Application and nomination materials should be submitted electronically by the target date of March 11, 2022, to: UWMadisonChancellor@agbsearch.com.

 

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action educator and employer.