The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh community is mourning the death of Martin Rudd, assistant chancellor for access campuses at Fond du Lac and Fox Cities.

Martin Rudd

Rudd, 53, of New London, died unexpectedly Saturday in Conover, Wisconsin, where he had a cabin.

“Martin was not just a colleague but a friend and integral part of students’ and our organization’s success,” said UW Oshkosh Chancellor Andy Leavitt. “He brought immense dedication, knowledge and passion to his role as he guided the Fond du Lac and Fox Cities campuses and was a key voice and leader on the university’s leadership team.”

Rudd was born in Cornwall, England and graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1991 and with his doctorate in inorganic chemistry in 1994, both from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom. He did postdoctoral work at the University of Bergin in Norway from 1994 until 1996 and then at Baylor University from 1996 to 1997.

He was an assistant professor of chemistry at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, from 1997 to 2002.

He began his career with the UW System Colleges at UW-Marathon as an assistant professor of chemistry. Over the past 20-plus years, Rudd worked in various faculty and administrative roles within the UW Colleges. His appointment in 2018 to his role at UW Oshkosh as assistant chancellor for access campuses “was a source of great pride for Martin,” according to his obituary.

Rudd is survived by his wife, Kris; four children; his parents and brother; his wife’s family; other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at Brettschneider Trettin Nickel Funeral Chapel.

Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations to any humane society would be appreciated.