Thomas Gibson. Image courtesy: UW System
STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — The next Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point couldn’t be more excited to start his new job.
Thomas Gibson, the current Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost at Bowling Green State University, says he has no doubt that the campus and community will soon become home for him.
“During my on-campus visit, I was fortunate enough to have a tour of the city and its various neighborhoods. It feels just like home, I’m really looking forward to building a community within a community and to lay some roots as they say,” said Gibson.
Gibson will take over on January 11th, 2021 as the 15th Chancellor in school history. He says he’s not intimidated by the recent move to bring the UW campuses in Marshfield and Wausau under the UWSP umbrella because he does have experience with satellite campuses. That includes his current position at BGSU and during his time with The City University of New York. “This will not be a challenge at all,” he says.
He did have the chance to tour the UWSP Wausau campus during his visit as well, calling it a “gem,” but didn’t get a chance to see the Marshfield campus. Gibson says he will hopefully visit that campus during his next trip to Stevens Point before officially starting his duties.
When he does take over, Gibson says one of his main focuses will be on the student experience.
“I plan to meet as many students as possible to engage with them and learn about their UWSP experience and what I might do to make that experience even better for them,” he said.
That includes having difficult conversations about racial equality that have been happening both nationwide and here in Wisconsin following the deaths of George Floyd, Jacob Blake, and other Black people in officer-involved incidents. “One of my roles as Chancellor is to make sure we have a campus climate that is conducive to learning, development, and growth for each student. Certainly, I will be working with my colleagues to design a campus environment where students can feel included. [I’m sure] these conversations will continue across our institution and I certainly welcome them.”
Gibson also promises to be an “active member” of the community and says he welcomes discussions about how the school can better serve the area.
Gibson takes over after Chancellor Bernie Patterson who will retire at year’s end. According to a press release from the UW System, he will earn $247,500 as Chancellor.
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