MADISON, Wis. — University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chancellor Don Betz today announced that he will leave the campus at the end of June to become president of Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
UW System President Kevin P. Reilly today praised Betz for his effective leadership and announced plans to provide interim leadership for the campus.
“Needless to say, this is a real loss for the UW-River Falls campus, and for the entire state. Chancellor Betz has been an exceptional leader and a wonderful colleague, and we will all miss his enlivening presence in the UW System,” said Reilly.
“Chancellor Betz is a strong advocate for higher education and a vocal champion for students. He worked effectively with the campus and the St. Croix Valley region to advance our Growth Agenda for Wisconsin, helping to secure new funding to enhance the first-year experience for his new students. He understands how these worthwhile efforts will ultimately help increase the number of college-educated workers in our state,” said Reilly.
Reilly announced that UW-River Falls Provost Connie Foster will succeed Betz as interim chancellor. Since joining the faculty in 1984, Foster has held numerous administrative roles, including Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies, chair of the health and human performance department and athletics director.
Dean Terry Brown of the UW-River Falls College of Arts & Sciences will assume the interim provost position. Dean since 2005, Brown previously served that college as associate dean, and is a faculty member in the English department.
Working with the UW System Board of Regents and the UW-River Falls campus community, Reilly will begin an immediate national search for a new chancellor.