MADISON – University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly today announced the finalists for the position of the chancellor who will lead both the statewide UW-Extension and the UW Colleges, which includes 13 freshman-sophomore campuses.
The finalists have been approved by the Board of Regents’ Special Committee for the UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor Search, chaired by Regent Danae Davis of Milwaukee. The Regents’ committee and President Reilly will interview the finalists in Madison on Wednesday, Nov. 30. Other members of this special committee are Regents Mark Bradley of Wausau, Elizabeth Burmaster of Madison, and Milton McPike of Mazomanie.
The full Board of Regents will take final action to appoint the new chancellor once it receives a recommendation from the Special Committee, and President Reilly.
The finalists are:
- Irving Pressley McPhail
Former Chancellor
Community College of Baltimore County (Maryland) - Jack M. Payne
Vice President for University Extension
Utah State University - Marv Van Kekerix
Interim Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Extension - David Wilson
Vice President for University Outreach and Associate Provost
Auburn University (Alabama)
This search follows a comprehensive, independent study of the missions and administrations of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension, after which Reilly recommended consolidating the Madison-based administrative functions of these two statewide institutions under a single chancellor. This change and other collaborations should lead to efficiencies that will allow the institutions to do more for students and the state, while maintaining or reducing costs, the study suggested.
A 17-member campus/community search and screen committee, chaired by Lisa Seale, UW-Marathon County professor of English, submitted the recommendations of these four finalists to the Special Regent Committee and the President. The person chosen by the regents will become the first chancellor to lead both institutions.
The candidates will meet with faculty, staff, students, and community members during video conferences and campus visits on several dates between Nov. 7 and Nov. 18.