Simple question, brighter future

What kind of university does this region need and deserve?

It’s a basic question, yet it begs for some reflection and imagination. I have been posing it to not only students, faculty and staff members at our three campuses, but also to regional company executives, nonprofit directors and other leaders who count on this institution to help people, organizations and communities grow and thrive.

I have a few ideas myself. But I’m interested in your answers, especially as the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh rides positive momentum and a renewed spirit of stewardship deeper into 2019.

In late December 2018, UW Oshkosh and the UW Oshkosh Foundation reached an agreement that ends years of costly litigation. The accord sets the stage for a new fundraising partnership and revitalizes our long-standing commitments to support students, faculty and staff members and the greater UW Oshkosh community. We can finally and fully move this university and its partners forward, staying focused on its future.

As of last fall, our institution comprised of Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Menasha campus communities boasted more than 16,000 students. However, the metrics that matter most are lives transformed, economies strengthened and your milestones. Which leads me back to the question: What kind of university does this region need and deserve? A stronger, collaborative research partner? A catalyst for more visual art, music, literature and theatre events on and off campuses? Think about this as you enjoy your edition of Titan.

In 2019, we continue to examine and connect our campuses’ services and curricula, plan and launch a new strategic planning initiative and renew our commitment to grow student scholarships. Much of this year’s work on the aforementioned initiatives will benefit from the sage, inclusive leadership of John Koker. He is no newcomer to UW Oshkosh, having steadfastly served the Oshkosh campus since the early 1990s as a member of the faculty, a college dean and, now, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. I hope you will join me in congratulating him and, when opportunities present, share your voice in the strategic planning effort he will help lead.

Meanwhile, let me know what kind of university you believe this region needs and deserves. Do not hesitate to send me an email. Please help share in and shape the vision. I look forward to receiving your answers.

UW Oshkosh’s future is bright.

Andrew J. Leavitt
Chancellor