University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Chancellor Dr. Thomas Gibson was named the next Chancellor of UW-Milwaukee, the UW-System announced Monday morning.
Gibson, who has served as UW-Stevens Point chancellor since 2021, was unanimously approved by the UW Board of Regents following a selection committee’s recommendation. He will assume leadership of UW-Milwaukee on July 1, succeeding Mark Mone, the longest-serving UW-Milwaukee chancellor since its founder, who will return to teaching at the Lubar College of Business.
Under Gibson's tenure, UW-Stevens Point experienced two consecutive years of enrollment growth — a rarity in the UW System — and secured significant financial infusions from business and individual partners. He has also created new opportunities for graduate and first-year students, according to the UW System.
“Tom Gibson has made a tremendous impact at UW-Stevens Point, and he will be an extraordinary leader for UW-Milwaukee,” UW System President Jay Rothman said. “Balancing an enthusiasm for students with an ability to drive community and business partnerships, Tom is always moving forward. He will do the same at UW-Milwaukee and continue to build on its status as a top-tier research university.”
Gibson will assume leadership at a time of strong “headwinds” for UW-Milwaukee, in the words of Mone in August.
During his time as chancellor, Mone oversaw declining state funding, the implementation of a controversial bill restructuring diversity, equity and inclusion positions and pro-Palestine protests calling for the university to divest from Israel.
The two-week long encampments at the end of the spring semester were removed without police action after UWM reached a deal with protesters in which the UWM foundation promised to discuss divestment and review its study abroad policies.
The deal, and Mone’s accompanying statement — which he later apologized for — condeming genocide and the destruction of universities in Gaza, drew criticism from Jewish community members and was condemned by UW System President Jay Rothman. Observers questioned whether it contributed to Mone stepping down.
Regent President Amy Bogost praised Gibson's “leadership style” in improving enrollment, resolving structural deficits and attracting external support and said she expected the same of him at UW-Milwaukee.
Prior to joining UW-Stevens Point, Gibson held numerous positions across higher education, including vice president for Student Affairs and vice provost at Bowling Green State University, the associate vice president of Student Affairs at Ball State University and several roles at York College, City University of New York in New York City. He also led academic support services at Queens College/CUNY and the University of Connecticut at Stamford.
Gibson earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Connecticut State University, a master’s in education from the University of New Haven and his doctorate in educational leadership in higher education at Johnson & Wales University.
In the release, Gibson struck a positive tone for the future.
“I’m honored and humbled to be appointed chancellor of UW-Milwaukee, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff to collectively define a vision for the future,” Gibson said. “Students considering UW-Milwaukee should know that our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success, and I’ll be right there with them cheering you on.”
Gibson will earn $575,000 as chancellor, and a replacement for UW-Stevens Point chancellor will be announced soon, the UW System said.
Gavin Escott is the campus news editor for the Daily Cardinal. He has covered protests, breaking news and written in-depth on Wisconsin politics and higher education. He is the former producer of the Cardinal Call podcast. Follow him on X at @gav_escott.
