MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Chancellor Carlos Santiago today announced his plans to leave the campus in October to become CEO of the Hispanic College Fund, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC. Santiago has served as UWM’s leader since July 2004, spearheading a renewed emphasis on the institution’s research mission.
UW System President Kevin P. Reilly praised Santiago for his many accomplishments.
“Chancellor Santiago provided energizing leadership for UW-Milwaukee during a crucial period,” said Reilly. “During his watch, the campus made tremendous progress in helping to strengthen the economy of the city and all of Southeastern Wisconsin, which will yield great long-term benefits for the entire state.”
“Rallying the support of business and community leaders, faculty, staff, and students, Chancellor Santiago has helped transform the UWM campus. Examples of that transformation include the new School of Freshwater Sciences, the Kenwood Integrated Research Complex, the School of Public Health downtown facility, and the recently announced acquisition of the Columbia Saint Mary’s property. Along with efforts to create a new Engineering Campus, these steps will put UWM in a strong position to improve the quality of life in the Milwaukee region, boost economic growth, and create new jobs, in the finest traditions of The Wisconsin Idea.”
“While pursuing this bold vision, Chancellor Santiago has ensured that the institution upheld its historic commitment to access and undergraduate education. Total student enrollment has increased by 12%, with a commensurate gain in the number of graduates. UWM stands out among UW campuses for serving a large number of first-generation college students, military veterans, and students of color.”
Reilly plans to identify an interim chancellor as quickly as possible, providing continuity of leadership for the campus and all its initiatives.
“With so many important projects in the pipeline, we’ll need to identify someone who understands core campus operations and the interplay between these complex projects. We also need an interim chancellor who can advocate effectively for the campus during the upcoming state budget process,” said Reilly.
Reilly will also work with the UW System Board of Regents and the UW-Milwaukee campus community to begin the search for a new UWM chancellor, aiming to have a permanent campus leader in place by summer 2011. The first step in the process will be to appoint a search and screen committee comprised of faculty, academic staff, classified staff, students, and community representatives. That group will be responsible for initiating the national search and recommending finalists for consideration by Reilly and a special committee of the Board, to be appointed by Regent President Charles Pruitt.