MADISON, Wis.—University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman today named Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Scott Menke as interim Chancellor of UW-Parkside. Menke will begin that position June 9 with the departure of Chancellor Debbie Ford.
Menke replaces Ford, who will become Chancellor of Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, Ind. Ford has been the Chancellor at UW-Parkside since 2009.
“Chancellor Ford has been a champion for students at UW-Parkside and across the UW System. We will miss her tremendously,” Rothman said. “I am pleased Scott has agreed to serve as interim chancellor. He will ensure a smooth transition while we find a new leader.”
Menke has served as Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at UW-Parkside since June 2018. During this time, he has provided leadership and oversight for human resources, budget development and management, capital planning, facilities management, university police, accounting services, cashier operations, procurement, and risk management.
“I have been fortunate to be part of a strong leadership team at UW-Parkside,” Menke said. “I am both humbled and honored to continue working with the team as interim chancellor. Under the leadership of Dr. Debbie Ford, the university developed a strong track record of providing students with a transformative educational experience and serving the community.”
Menke has served in various roles at UW-Parkside since 2004. Prior to that he provided financial management and consulting services to small business owners and entrepreneurs, served as chief financial officer for two companies, and worked for a large national public accounting company.
The University of Wisconsin System serves approximately 161,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the UW System is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state UW System graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree – with a median salary of more than $66,000. The UW System provides a 23:1 return on state investment. UW System universities also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. The UW System and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.