GREEN BAY – Dr. Michael Alexander, former provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, has started as the university’s seventh chancellor.
Alexander’s appointment was confirmed by the UW System Board of Regents, following the recommendation of a selection committee.
He started his new role May 1.
“I am honored and humbled to work for the dedicated and talented students, faculty and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay,” Alexander said. “While my position as chancellor may be new at the university, my passion and dedication for the people of this community are stronger than ever and my family is proud to call Green Bay our home. With a growing academic portfolio, deep connections to the community and presence in the region, UW-Green Bay will continue to expand its impact on the population it serves.”
Alexander has served as provost and vice chancellor at UW-Green Bay since July 2019.
As the university’s second highest administrative officer and senior academic officer, he oversaw programming and leadership of the four academic colleges; the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts, the Division of Continuing Education and Community Engagement, the UW-Green Bay Libraries, the Office of Admissions, and led the four UW-Green Bay campuses including those in Marinette, Manitowoc and Sheboygan.
As provost, he consulted with the chancellor on all aspects of the university and spoke for the university in the chancellor’s absence.
Since joining the university, Alexander led the expansion of the university’s continuing education and community engagement efforts to build connections to high school students, increase non-credit offerings and provide educational services to regional businesses; created academic affairs strategic priorities to drive the university’s strategic mission and vision; initiated new, international relationships with universities in Thailand; created an Office of Sustainability to improve efficiencies and increase the profile of UW-Green Bay as a campus traditionally engaged with environmental study; and restructured Graduate Studies and the Office of Grants and Research, setting the stage for the university’s growing research efforts.
“Anyone who has had the opportunity to work closely with Mike Alexander knows what a tremendous asset he is to UW-Green Bay and our region,” said former interim chancellor Sheryl Van Gruensven. “I have been immensely impressed with his vast knowledge of higher education and his vision for the future that aligns with UW-Green Bay’s mission. Mike has exceptional analytical skills and the ability to quickly put into action the necessary steps to move the university forward. He has quickly gained the respect of cabinet members, colleagues in the UW System and, more importantly, faculty and staff campus-wide. His comprehensive understanding of university operations, with a relentless focus on student success, make him an ideal leader for UW-Green Bay at this moment in time.”
Alexander is the UW-Green Bay’s seventh chancellor, succeeding Gary Miller, who left the university in September 2019 to serve as president at the University of Akron.
Miller served as the university’s top administrator since August 2014.
In line with market-based compensation guidelines approved by the Board of Regents, Alexander will earn $250,000 as chancellor.