Congratulations, and Onward!

The UW-Green Bay Office of the Chancellor emailed the following from Interim Chancellor Van Gruensven to the campus community on Friday, April 3, 2020.

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Yesterday was a great day for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. I could not be more pleased with the Board of Regents’ selection of Mike Alexander as UW-Green Bay’s seventh chancellor.

On behalf of the University I want to extend my thanks to the Selection Committee, comprised of University faculty and staff, members of the community and the Board of Regents, for their time and commitment to this important process. The university community deeply appreciates your thoughtful work in serving our institution. I am also grateful for the institution’s overall engagement in the process through forum attendance and candidate feedback. Thank you for your active participation as we searched for the next, best Chancellor for UW-Green Bay. Together, we did just that.

Since joining the University last year, Mike and I have developed a mutually respectful and highly productive working relationship. We are committed to a seamless transition in the weeks ahead to ensure university operations continue without disruption. We cannot skip a beat at this critical time. I am humbled that Chancellor-elect Alexander values my contributions to the institution and that we will continue to work together as a cohesive team.

Higher education is facing both strong headwinds and compelling opportunities. In the months ahead, we all need to work together– cabinet, university leaders and the university community—and we must persevere. We are all being called upon to be resourceful and creative as we forge a new path during this uncertain time. This resiliency is built into our collective DNA as members of the Phoenix family. We will lean on it and on each other often as we find new ways to teach our students, engage them and create the customized experience they are looking for from higher education.

Our work ahead requires us to be flexible. We may need to shift gears and make difficult decisions at times, but all decisions will be made with the principles of student success and the long-term sustainability of the institution as guiding principles.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to work closely with Mike knows what a tremendous asset he is to UW-Green Bay and our region. I cannot think of a more transparent and genuine individual. He will lead and inspire us as we take this dynamic institution to new levels of success, serving every student who wants an education. Most importantly, Michael Alexander is the kind of leader who lives by example and treats everyone with respect. People at UW-Green Bay and throughout Northeast Wisconsin will want to follow him. I know I do.

Please join me in offering Chancellor-elect Alexander the warmest and most heartfelt of congratulations.

Sheryl Van Gruensven
INTERIM CHANCELLOR