Finalists chosen for lead student affairs role

A search and screen committee has recommended three finalists for the new position of vice chancellor for student affairs at UW–Madison. All three candidates will be visiting campus in the weeks ahead to give public presentations and meet with members of the campus community.

The 15-member committee, chaired by John Zumbrunnen, a professor of political science, recommended:

• Anna Gonzalez, dean of students and chief student affairs officer, Lewis & Clark College. Gonzalez provides leadership and budgetary oversight for 17 departments ranging from housing to intercollegiate athletics. Prior to Lewis & Clark College, Gonzalez served as associate vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.
• Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, associate vice president and chief of staff for student affairs, Northwestern University. Payne-Kirchmeier leads key student services areas for the Division of Student of Affairs, including assessment and planning, residential services and campus dining. Prior to Northwestern University, Payne-Kirchmeier served as assistant provost for the University College at Southern Illinois University–Carbondale.
• Lori Reesor, vice provost for student affairs, Indiana University Bloomington. Reesor leads a student affairs division that includes the Indiana Memorial Union, the IU Health Center and other student life programs and services. Prior to IU, Reesor most recently served as vice president for student affairs at the University of North Dakota.

In announcing the new leadership role in November, UW–Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank said the position will strengthen the student experience by ensuring that the various units that provide student-related services on campus are strategically aligned.

The largest units reporting to the new Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs will be the Wisconsin Union, the Division of Recreational Sports, University Health Services and the Division of Student Life, led by the dean of students.

Lori Berquam, dean of students and vice provost for student life, has been serving as interim vice chancellor for student affairs since December and transition planning for the office is underway.

The finalists will share their ideas for the role during public presentations on campus. Employees may attend the talks in pay status, with supervisor permission, if the presentations fall during normal work hours. The schedule is as follows:

• Payne-Kirchmeier: Thursday, April 19, 1:45–3 p.m., Gordon Dining and Event Center
• Gonzalez: Friday, April 20, 1:45–3 p.m., Old Madison Room, Memorial Union
• Reesor: Tuesday, May 1, 1:45–3 p.m., The Marquee, Union South

The candidates’ CVs will be available online. Presentation videos will be posted after each session.

To provide feedback on a candidate, please complete the online form by 5 p.m. on May 3.

Questions may be directed to the search committee office via Allison Golden at (608) 262-9947.