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Eric Wilcots Named Interim UW–Madison Chancellor Effective May 17

System leaders present the longtime dean as a continuity choice to guide UW–Madison through the handoff to a permanent successor.

Overview

  • Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced the appointment on Feb. 11, with Regent President Amy B. Bogost expressing support.
  • Wilcots will assume the role on May 17 as Jennifer Mnookin departs to become president of Columbia University.
  • An astronomer on campus since 1995, Wilcots has led the College of Letters & Science since 2020 and served as interim provost in 2023.
  • Mnookin told the campus she will work with Wilcots to ensure a seamless leadership transition before her departure.
  • The interim period precedes a search for a permanent chancellor, and a separate provost appointment is expected in March.