About University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
Founded in 1894 as the sixth site for a Normal School in Wisconsin, UW-Stevens Point has evolved through several stages of educational service to the citizens of Wisconsin. In 1927, permission to grant degrees was conveyed along with a name change to “State Teachers College.” By 1964, “teacher education” was no longer the sole emphasis and the school was renamed “Wisconsin State University-Stevens Point”. With the merger of Wisconsin’s two higher education systems in 1972, the campus assumed the name University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, with a mission to serve central Wisconsin.
In a 2018 reorganization of University of Wisconsin Colleges, UWSP was combined with two former two year campuses in Marshfield and Wausau. UWSP celebrated its 130th year of higher education in 2024, with an enrollment of approximately 8,265 students at three campuses.
UW-Stevens Point offers more than 130 program options within 120 baccalaureate degree programs,90 minors, and 17 graduate programs, including doctoral degrees, within the College of Fine Arts and Communication, College of Letters and Science, College of Natural Resources, and College of Professional Studies. In addition, the University College offers students academic support, resources and services, such as the Academic and Career Advising Center, Office of International Education, and Tutoring-Learning Center.
UWSP offers an exceptionally broad curriculum. Its well-known natural resources program offers an interdisciplinary approach with an emphasis on hands-on field experiences. The Sentry School of Business and Economics creates career-ready graduates and leaders through applied learning. Elementary and secondary education programs are recognized statewide and growing stronger through the Harju Center for Opportunities in Education.
Students in the arts have the advantage of attending the only university in the state with all its fine arts programs (art, dance, music, and theater) nationally accredited. Emphasizing an interdisciplinary and career-focused curriculum, a reorganization of several programs resulted in the School of Design, which brings together art, graphic design and interior architecture, and the School of Health Science and Wellness, which combines the schools of Health Care Professions, Health Promotion and Human Development, and Communication Sciences and Disorders.
UWSP also emphasizes research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of disciplines. Faculty members work closely with students to develop and support research projects, as well as offer co-authorship and presentations at professional conferences. This effort has resulted in UWSP producing more science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)graduates going on to earn advanced degrees than any other comprehensive UW university. Over 3,500students live in residence halls on the Stevens Point campus, which has about 420 faculty and academic staff members, approximately 470 nonteaching professional staff members, and 330 university support staff members.
The Role of the Chancellor
The Universities of Wisconsin (UWs) invite applications and nominations for the position of Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (UWSP). This leader will succeed Dr. Thomas Gibson who became Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in July 2025.
Established in 1894, UW-Stevens Point is one of 10 comprehensive universities in a public higher education system that also includes two Research I doctoral institutions, Wisconsin’s only Polytechnic university, and a statewide extension network. UW-Stevens Point enrolls approximately 8,550 undergraduate and graduate students across three campuses, with locations in Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wausau.
UWSP campuses offer a welcoming, supportive atmosphere focused on student success. Among the many reasons to choose UWSP, most often repeated by students and employees alike are statements such as “It feels like home” and “I knew my voice would be heard.” Faculty and staff are committed and energetic, doing whatever is needed to help students reach their goals and discover their purpose. The result is a UWSP community that loves its university, shows excitement and engagement with the Stevens Point community, and builds strong relationships with each other.
The Chancellor of UW-Stevens Point is the face of the campus for students, faculty, staff, the community, businesses, the Regents, the Universities of Wisconsin, and state and local government. An engaged, inspiring leader, the Chancellor is committed to the university’s heritage, mission and core values while leading the university into the future. The Chancellor demonstrates these values with authenticity, humility, and an affinity towards collaborative action. The Chancellor is an effective and transparent communicator who respects and encourages differing views and works with both internal and external constituencies to further the mission and strategic aspirations of UW-Stevens Point. The Chancellor will work effectively with the Universities of Wisconsin President and Regents in pursuit of the strategic initiatives that will further strengthen the university and the community.
The Chancellor will embrace UW-Stevens Point’s commitment to provide an unparalleled environment for students to take lead roles across the university through support of high-quality educational programs and grant funded research opportunities. The Chancellor will tap the untapped potential of UW-Stevens Point’s geographical reach, branch campuses, partnerships with business and community to extend the impact of the university throughout the state of Wisconsin. Finally, the Chancellor will capitalize on the assets of nationally recognized programs in Natural Resources, Fine Arts, and Health and Wellness, enhanced enrollment efforts resulting from collaborative efforts across the institution, and a committed, engaged faculty, staff and leadership team to position UW-Stevens Point as a top regional comprehensive university.
Procedure for Candidacy
The executive search firm DSG | Storbeck is assisting UW- Stevens Point in the search for its next Chancellor.
For formal consideration, applicants should submit materials including the following: 1) a letter of application addressing the leadership opportunities and qualifications articulated within this document; 2) a curriculum vitae or resume; and 3) a list of at least five references with contact information. Applications should be submitted as one document through DSG | Storbeck’s Talent Portal: https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22570.
Nominations or inquiries can be directed to Steve Leo, Managing Director, and Vicki Henderson, Senior Associate, DSG | Storbeck: [email protected].
This position will remain open until it is filled. Complete applications received by December 8, 2025, are assured full consideration. Nominations and expressions of interest will be treated in confidence. References will not be contacted without prior knowledge and approval of candidates. The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality inwriting, except as required by Wis. Stat. § 19.36 (7) which requires disclosure of those identified as final candidates for position of Chancellor.
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require applicants and references to answer questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence and harassment.
The material presented in this leadership profile should be relied on for informational purposes only. This material has been copied, compiled or quoted in part from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point documents and personal interviews and is believed to be reliable. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, the original source documents and factual situations govern. All images and logos used in this leadership profile were attained from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and are owned by the Universities of Wisconsin.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other bases as defined by federal regulations and Universities of Wisconsin policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact Jason Beier, Chief HR Officer of the Universities of Wisconsin, at: Jason.Beier@ wisconsin.edu.
The safety and success of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is paramount. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires the distribution of an annual security report to all current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. You may obtain the complete report at: https://www3.uwsp.edu/dos/clery/Pages/default.aspx.