Dr. Marv Van Kekerix
MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly announced today that Dr. Marv Van Kekerix has agreed to serve as Interim Chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension, effective July 1, subject to approval by the UW System Board of Regents next month.
On Dec. 4, UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor David Wilson announced that he had accepted an offer to become President of Morgan State University in Baltimore, effective July 1. Wilson is the first person to serve as Chancellor of two UW System institutions simultaneously.
The plan is for Van Kekerix to serve through the arrival of Chancellor Wilson’s successor, expected in January 2011.
Van Kekerix is currently the Vice Provost and Dean of the Division of Continuing Studies at UW-Madison. He previously served as UW-Extension’s Provost and Vice Chancellor, and as Interim Chancellor for both UW Colleges and UW-Extension.
“Change is always challenging, but Marv has considerable previous experience with overseeing the day-to-day operations of both institutions. Given their unique structures and missions, we’re fortunate to have an interim leader who already understands these statewide networks, partnerships, and diverse educational programs. I have full confidence that Marv will keep UW Colleges and UW-Extension on a steady course through this time of transition,” Reilly said.
“I am excited about the opportunity to provide leadership for UW Colleges and UW-Extension in continuing to meet the statewide access mission they share. I also look forward to reconnecting with my colleagues in both institutions as well as with the many constituencies they serve,” Van Kekerix said.
Reilly is now collecting nominations for people to serve on the search and screen committee that will help identify a new Chancellor for UW Colleges and UW-Extension. Reilly will appoint that committee next month. Van Kekerix says he will not be a candidate for the Chancellor’s position.
UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin and Provost Paul DeLuca plan to appoint an interim dean of UW-Madison’s Division of Continuing Studies shortly.
For more information about UW Colleges and UW-Extension, see http://uwex.uwc.edu.