Thomas Gibson has been named the next chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
Gibson, 51, who has served as chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point since 2021, will become the 10th leader to hold the role at UWM.
The Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents on Monday unanimously approved Gibson’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Gibson will assume the leadership post on or about July 1.
“I’m honored and humbled to be appointed chancellor of UW-Milwaukee, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff to collectively define a vision for the future,” Gibson said in a statement. “Students considering UW-Milwaukee should know that our faculty and staff are dedicated to your success, and I’ll be right there with them cheering you on.”
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During his tenure at UW-Stevens Point, the university has created new opportunities for graduate and first-year students, experienced two consecutive years of enrollment growth, and secured major philanthropic gifts from business and individual partners – including $10 million from Sentry Insurance for the new Sentry School of Business and Economics, donations of land for College of Natural Resources research, the Skyward Internship Center on campus and a faculty fellowship in cello and music studies.
“Tom Gibson has made a tremendous impact at UW-Stevens Point, and he will be an extraordinary leader for UW-Milwaukee,” Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said in a statement. “Balancing an enthusiasm for students with an ability to drive community and business partnerships, Tom is always moving forward. He will do the same at UW-Milwaukee and continue to build on its status as a top-tier research university.”
Gibson will replace outgoing Chancellor Mark Mone, who has served in the role since 2014 and plans to return to a professorship in UWM’s Lubar College of Business.
“Tom has been a terrific colleague at the Universities of Wisconsin,” Mone said in a press release. “His experience and passion will serve what we have built at UW-Milwaukee well.”
Prior to joining UW-Stevens Point, Gibson served as vice president for student affairs and vice provost at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he led efforts to increase record student retention and helped raise $8 million with University Advancement.
He also served as associate vice president of student affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He held several roles at York College in New York City, including associate dean for student development. Gibson led academic support services at Queens College and the University of Connecticut at Stamford.
“I know Dr. Gibson is committed to community partnerships, business development and the innovation that comes from faculty research,” said Brian Thompson, chief innovation and partnership officer in the UWM Office of Strategic Partnerships, in a statement. “The Lubar Entrepreneurship Center and UWM innovators are eager to work with him.”
Regent President Amy Bogost praised Gibson for his ability to lead during challenging times.
“Tom has impressed us with his leadership style and grace,” Bogost said in a release. “He has handled every challenge facing him, from improving enrollment to resolving structural deficits to building external support. He was the right leader at the right time to move UW-Stevens Point forward, and I have the same expectations for him at UW-Milwaukee.”
Rothman and the Special Regent Committee for the UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Search recommended Gibson to the full Board of Regents.
“I look forward to Tom’s leadership of our great university,” said Regent Joan Prince, chair of the Search and Screen Committee, in a statement. “He understands what is important to students, creates a culture of support and purpose among faculty and staff and develops trust with community and business leaders.”
Gibson earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Connecticut State University; a master’s degree in education from University of New Haven in Connecticut; and a doctorate in educational leadership in higher education at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
Gibson will earn $575,000 as chancellor. Mone’s salary at the end of last fiscal year was about $489,000.
A decision regarding an interim chancellor for UW-Stevens Point is forthcoming.
The arrival of Gibson at UWM will mean that both of Milwaukee’s largest universities – UWM and Marquette – will be operating with first-year, top-level leaders.
Mone, 65, took over as chancellor at UWM in 2014, replacing Michael Lovell, who became Marquette’s president. Mone’s 11-year tenure is the second longest in UWM history and far surpasses the average tenure for university presidents and chancellors. The average tenure stands at 5.9 years, down from 8.6 in 2006, according to the American Council on Education.
Lovell served a decade at Marquette until his death in June 2024 at the age of 57 after a three-year battle with sarcoma.
Kimo Ah Yun succeeded Lovell as president at Marquette. He was named to the post in November after serving as provost at the Jesuit institution.
