Photo of Aaron Brower

Dr. Aaron Brower

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System Interim President Richard J. Telfer announced today that Aaron Brower has agreed to serve as interim chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension, effective February 15, subject to approval by the UW System Board of Regents next month.

On Jan. 9, the Board of Regents announced that Raymond W. (Ray) Cross, the current chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension, has been named the next president of the UW System.

Brower is currently the interim provost and vice chancellor of UW-Extension, a position he has held since August 2012. He was previously the vice provost for teaching and learning at UW-Madison, where he is also a professor in the School of Social Work, Integrated Liberal Studies, and Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis.

Brower was the recipient of the UW-Madison Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Teaching in 2001. He is an internationally recognized scholar on student success and educational innovations, particularly blending in- and out-of-class learning. Since 2012, Brower also served as special assistant for educational strategies for former UW System President Kevin P. Reilly. In that capacity, he provided key leadership for the UW Flexible Option.

“Given the unique structures and missions of UW Colleges and UW-Extension, we’re fortunate to have an interim leader who already understands these statewide networks, partnerships, and diverse educational programs. I have full confidence that Aaron will keep UW Colleges and UW-Extension on a steady course through this time of transition,” Telfer said.

The plan is for Brower to serve through the arrival of Chancellor Cross’ successor. Regents are currently developing the plan for that search-and-screen process.

“Aaron is a thoughtful, deliberative leader who brings people together,” Cross said. “He embraces the critical and statewide work of UW Colleges and UW-Extension to educate our students and learners for the future of the state and nation.”

“Ray has set us on a great track, and I look forward to continuing our prominence and impact through UW Colleges and UW-Extension across the state,” Brower said. “I’m eager to develop even more relationships statewide with our faculty, staff, students, businesses, community leaders and policymakers.”

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Resources:

Media Contacts:

David Giroux
UW System
dgiroux@uwsa.edu
608-262-4464

Jessica Tormey
UW Colleges and UW-Extension
jessica.tormey@uwex.uwc.edu
608-263-5061