Dr. Lane Earns
MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly announced today that he will recommend Dr. Lane Earns as the Interim Chancellor for UW-Parkside.
If approved by the UW System Board of Regents on August 22, Earns will step into the position on August 24, succeeding Chancellor Jack Keating, who has served as UW-Parkside’s leader for more than a decade. Keating has agreed to extend his tenure by approximately one month to allow for this transition.
Earns’ 21-year UW-Oshkosh career includes 13 years in leadership positions. He served as chair of the history department and as Associate Provost. He was later named Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for academic affairs in 2004, assuming the permanent role in 2005.
“He has the leadership experience, dexterity and intellect needed to engage a broad range of student, faculty, staff, and community voices,” said Reilly. “Lane understands the unique role all UW System campuses play within their regions and with local communities. He has been a strong advocate for the Growth Agenda for Wisconsin, demonstrating a deep personal commitment to diversity and the success of all Wisconsin students.”
After earning his undergraduate degree at Michigan State University, Earns received his master’s degree in Asian studies and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Hawaii.
“I am excited to build upon the strong foundation UW-Parkside has established under the leadership of Chancellor Keating,” said Earns. “UW-Parkside has a rich history of engaging with its surrounding communities. That’s something that I have come to value greatly during my time at UW-Oshkosh, a campus that is similarly connected to its neighbors, businesses and regional challenges.”
“The recent, unsuccessful search for a new UW-Parkside chancellor has been a significant distraction for staff and students who continue to work hard to sustain the school’s positive reputation as a thriving community of learning,” said Reilly. “I have every confidence that Lane’s communication skills and collaborative leadership style will help our faculty, staff and students re-focus on the campus’ core educational and community service mission.”
“We at UW-Oshkosh are proud that a distinguished leader from our campus community will have the opportunity to lead the UW-Parkside team during this time of considerable transition,” said UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Richard Wells.
UW-Parkside enrolls more than 5,000 students from 55 Wisconsin counties – the most diverse student body in the system. Leading approximately 500 faculty, academic staff, and classified staff members, the UW-Parkside chancellor is responsible for operation and leadership of the campus.
UW-Oshkosh enrolls more than 12,000 undergraduate students and 1,600 graduate students—the largest graduate program of the UW-System’s 11 comprehensive universities. The provost serves as the leader and administrator of UW-Oshkosh’s 48 academic departments, playing a central role in developing strategic plans, operating budgets, new academic programs and student services.
UW-Oshkosh and UW-Parkside share many common attributes, including a commitment to inclusive excellence, enrolling and serving more first-generation students, and helping more adult students earn their college degree. Both campuses are active participants in the Equity Scorecard program, an initiative aimed at narrowing the achievement gap between students of color and the rest of the student body.