Edward M. Penson, who served as the eighth Chancellor at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, died Wednesday, July 27, in Athens, Ohio, at the age of 94.
A native of Miami, Florida, Penson led UW Oshkosh from 1978 to 1989. He was the first Chancellor to come to the University after holding a top leadership position at another school, having come from Salem State University in Massachusetts.
Edward M. Penson
Penson is known for leaving UWO as a stronger, more respected and rigorous school than when he arrived. In a move to improve the reputation of the institution and its students, he ended the previous administration’s open enrollment policy and began to accept only increasingly academically qualified candidates. This approach boosted student applications by 45% and in 1986, UWO qualified as a national merit university after enrolling numerous National Merit scholars three years in a row.
“Chancellor Penson was a pivotal leader in the history of UW Oshkosh,” said Chancellor Andrew Leavitt. “He was the leader that connected the University to the city of Oshkosh. These connections still exist today. Our most prestigious faculty award is named for him. I enjoyed occasional conversations with him as he always kept current with his former UWO.”
While in Oshkosh he developed the John McNaughton Rosebush Distinguished Professorship to recognize and reward excellence in teaching and established the Outstanding Teaching and Academic Staff Awards. The Edward M. Penson Award continues to honor his legacy by recognizing the full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty with a record of excellence in teaching, scholarship or service to UWO.
Penson is remembered for his community engagement while in Oshkosh. He was a member of several boards and organizations, including the Paine Art Center, the Chamber of Commerce and Chamco, the city’s economic development organization.
A speech pathologist by training, Penson earned degrees from the University of Florida and Ohio University. He also worked at Ohio University for 20 years as an instructor and provost before moving to Salem.
After his retirement as Chancellor, Penson started the consulting firm Penson-Strawbridge, which has helped dozens of colleges and universities improve their management and leadership. UWO is just one of the beneficiaries of his firm’s guidance and talent. In 2011 he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his contributions to the University.
Donations may be made in his honor to UWO’s Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home in Athens. Read the full obituary here.