UW-Stevens Point invites public to attend chancellor finalist forums next week

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is seeking community input as part of the search for its next chancellor.

Three finalists have been selected by an 11-member Search and Screen Committee appointed by the Universities of Wisconsin (UW) Board of Regents, including, in alphabetical order:

• Robert Brinkmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill.
• Pratima Gandhi, interim chancellor at UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, Wis.
• John Hayek, vice chancellor for Academic and Health Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Texas State University in Austin, Texas

The public is invited to attend public forums held for each candidate in corresponding order next week Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Feb. 16, 17 and 19, at 4-5 p.m. in the Alumni Room of the Dreyfus University Center, 1015 Reserve St., Stevens Point. Parking is available in Lot R across from the Dreyfus University Center. The public forums will be live streamed.

Find information on the candidates, the public forum live stream Zoom link and feedback forms at UW-Stevens Point's Chancellor Search site.

The forums give the public the opportunity to hear and meet each chancellor finalist while generating feedback to help UW leadership make a final decision. After reviewing campus and community feedback, UW President Jay Rothman and a Special Regent Committee, comprised of Regents Haben Goitom, Noah Fritz, Linda Terwilliger and Jill Underly, chaired by Regent Salzwedel, will interview the finalists. The Special Regent Committee will recommend a single successful candidate to the Board of Regents, which must approve the appointment. The person selected will be UW-Stevens Point's 16^th chancellor.

Former UWSP Chancellor Thomas Gibson, who served the university for four years, left the position in July 2025 to become the chancellor at UW-Milwaukee. Gandhi has been serving as interim chancellor since July 2025.

Founded in 1894 as a teacher's college, UW-Stevens Point is one of the 13 Universities of Wisconsin. Campuses in three convenient central Wisconsin locations, Stevens Point, Wausau and Marshfield, offer inspiring professors, dynamic programs and diverse opportunities that give students a transformational experience. One of America's best values for purpose-driven education, UW-Stevens Point is distinctive for academic excellence, research, applied learning and sustainability. Students may choose from 80 majors, 73 minors and 18 graduate programs, including doctorates in audiology, physical therapy and educational sustainability. UW-Stevens Point includes a 280-acre nature preserve for both academic and recreational use. It offers a welcoming, supportive atmosphere focused on student success. Learn more at https://www.uwsp.edu.