University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
09/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/01/2026 18:05
Convocation 2026: UWO chancellor outlines university progress, priorities and path forward
UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Manohar Singh speaks Tuesday to a large crowd gathered for the 2026 Convocation that outlined the university's progress, priorities and path forward.
A wave of optimism washed across University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh's Reeve Memorial Union Ballroom as Convocation attendees heard positive news about finances, enrollment, innovation, community engagement and more.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh faculty and staff members joined Chancellor Manohar Singh, Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Josh Garrison, Interim Associate Chancellor for Finance and Strategy/Chief Financial Officer Nathan Stuart, and other leaders for the University's annual convocation.
"We have come far from where we were last year," Singh told a large in-person crowd and online viewers.
Attending the 2026 Convocation, UW-Oshkosh faculty and staff heard about university progress and accomplishments and about a look ahead to the 2026-2027 academic year.
Centered on the theme Where We Are and Where We Are Going, the program reflected on university progress and accomplishments, with a look ahead to the 2026-27 academic year, including its strategic direction through its Oshkosh Infinite 2026-2029 strategic plan.
"Every new academic year brings a renewed sense of possibility," Singh said. "And that possibilty begins with our students-their ambitions, their experiences and everything they will accomplish here."
Nathan Stuart, interim associate chancellor for finance and strategy and chief financial officer, provided a look at the University's financial picture.
Singh credited the faculty and staff who challenge, support and inspire students every day.
"I'm very pleased to see these numbers coming up," the Chancellor said about data that shows new first year students up 5.8%, full-time equivalent is up 1.6%, new transfers up 8.6%, new graduate enrollment up 5%, CAPP up 10%, nursing enrollment up 10.8%, Master of Public Administration enrollment up 37% and Fall 2025 FYR (retention) 71.2%.
Stuart spoke to the improvement in university finances and stated that the $5.3 million in total unrestricted fund balance at the end of fiscal year 2025, has grown to $11.8 million in unrestricted funds at the end of fiscal year 2026. He stressed that continued focus on the budget, with increased utilization of facilities, position control and reduction of utility expenses among some of the cost-saving measures.
"Everybody is still trying hard to be more efficient and operate effectively to get us back to that position to do the things we need to do with our financial reality," he said.
Chancellor Manohar Singh, left, speaks with Interim Provost Josh Garrison, center, and alumna Mary Novak-Jandrey, who recently provided a $10 million endowment gift that will benefit the College of Nursing, Health Professions and STEM
The Convocation program, which featured several videos, also highlighted academic innovaton, student success, workforce and community partnerships and the university's impact across the region.
A recording of convocation is available here. See photos from the event here.
The second event of the university's welcome of the new academic year, Opening Day Honors and awards, will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Culver Family Welcome Center. The first day of classes for the fall semester is Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Read about the UWO strategic plan:
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