Biography

Andrew Leavitt, Ph.D.

Dr. Andrew J. Leavitt became the 11^th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in November 2014. Leavitt has a strong foundation in academic leadership with more than 20 years as an educator, researcher and fundraiser.

Leavitt has a strong focus at UW Oshkosh on enhancing student success and engaging students in hands-on learning opportunities, increasing the profile of undergraduate, graduate and faculty research at UW Oshkosh, while furthering the University’s commitment to sustainability.

In his first year of leadership at UW Oshkosh, Leavitt charged a strategic planning committee to define the future of UW Oshkosh. The result: a transformed UW Oshkosh focused on enhancing student success, promoting academic excellence, expanding community engagement, driving economic development and building an inclusive and supportive institutional environment.

Through his efforts leading students, faculty and staff members in re-envisioning UW Oshkosh’s future as a three-campus institution, Leavitt has positioned the University as a regional research-enhanced comprehensive university, elevating existing research projects at UWO, increasing opportunities for research and driving innovation in curriculum.

Committed to the UW Oshkosh and Fond du Lac, Fox Cities and Oshkosh communities, Leavitt has served on the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce Board, Community Sounding Board, Key Executive Council, Government Affairs Board, NEW ERA Board, New North Inc. Board, Grand Oshkosh Board and Leadership Oshkosh Board.

Before UW Oshkosh

From 2009 to 2014, Leavitt served as the Vice President for University Advancement and as a chemistry professor at the University of North Georgia, as well as the CEO of the University of North Georgia Foundation, Inc.

Prior to joining the University of North Georgia in 2009, Leavitt worked at the University of West Georgia from 1994 to 2009 serving in a variety of roles from interim vice president for University Advancement, associate vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, executive director of the University of West Georgia Foundation, Inc. and professor of chemistry.

Background

Leavitt has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with minors in physics and mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Leavitt, a native of Tucson, Ariz., is married to Karen Leavitt. They have three adult children, Genevieve (and her husband C.J.), Scott and Madeleine and two grandchildren.