UWGB names Alexander next chancellor

GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has selected a current campus leader to be its next chancellor.

The UW System Board of Regents has approved the appointment of Michael Alexander to the chancellor's position. Alexander has been provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs since last July.

"During Michael's tenure at Green Bay, he has demonstrated keen listening and engagement skills," UW System President Ray Cross said in a news release. "His experience as a conductor has clearly enriched and influenced his ability to lead individual experts and professionals."

Alexander has previous experience as professor and director of the school of music at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, and music director of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

"I know the work of the university will increasingly be a driver in the educational, economic, cultural, and civic life of Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marinette, and Sheboygan," Alexander said in a news release. "Our mission and vision for a university that fearlessly meets challenges, solves problems, embraces diversity, cares about our region, and provides access to education for all who want it honors the innovative spirit of the founders of the university and moves us forward."

Alexander earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. He holds a master's degree in instrumental conducting from UW-Milwaukee and a doctorate in orchestral conducting from UW-Madison.

"Michael Alexander is widely respected and admired by the faculty, staff, and students at UW-Green Bay, and his vision and leadership abilities are real assets to this institution," professor Michael Draney, chair of the Chancellor Search and Screen Committee, said in a news release.

"Michael is clearly the person to lead UW-Green Bay through this period of extraordinary challenge and opportunity. He is a great listener, a deep thinker, and he possesses the spirit of respectful urgency essential to these times," Regent Robert Atwell, chair of the Search and Screen Committee, said in a news release.

"Michael Alexander’s contributions to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay as Provost have been impressive and impactful," Regent President Andrew S. Petersen said in a news release. "UWGB will be fortunate to have Michael’s steady leadership, charisma, and intellect on campus as he moves into the Chancellor role."

Alexander was selected from among four candidates. The position pays an annual salary of $250,000.

Alexander takes over May 1. He succeeds Gary Miller, who left to become president of the University of Akron in Ohio last year.