The Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Andrew Leavitt, declared on Wednesday that he would resign next summer, as the institution continues to face significant financial challenges.
Serving as chancellor since 2014, Leavitt shared his decision on his blog, expressing that he always intended to serve for a decade. He believes that extending his tenure would hinder the university from obtaining the new perspectives and creativity it needs to thrive.
After stepping down, Leavitt aims to continue his involvement with UW-Oshkosh in the capacity of a chemistry professor.
In his blog post, he reflected fondly on the experiences and relationships cultivated over his tenure, stating, “I will treasure the memories and the individuals I have encountered during my ten years in this role. It has been a profound honor, and I am proud to be a Titan while eager to contribute in various new ways.”
University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman and UW Board of Regents President Amy Bogost both expressed admiration for Leavitt’s leadership in their individual statements.
“From his first day, Chancellor Leavitt has taken on the challenges that leadership brings,” Rothman remarked.
The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh has been contending with financial difficulties recently, stemming from a decrease in student enrollment and stagnant state funding. Enrollment has dipped nearly 11% in the last nine years, falling from 14,542 students in fall 2014 to just 12,963 in fall 2023, according to statistics from the University of Wisconsin.
In 2023, UW-Oshkosh authorities revealed plans to lay off numerous staff members due to an anticipated deficit of $18 million. Among the 13 four-year campuses in the University of Wisconsin System, ten were projected to face deficits as they approached the fall 2023 semester. Additionally, a referendum indicated that about 75% of the faculty at UW-Oshkosh expressed a lack of confidence in Leavitt following the layoffs.
As the fall 2024 semester neared, UW-Oshkosh was identified as one of six four-year institutions within the system expected to encounter a financial shortfall, with its projected deficit being the highest at $8.6 million.
In June, Leavitt announced a decision to close the UW-Oshkosh two-year branch campus in Menasha after the spring 2025 semester. This conclusion was based on an analysis revealing a 67% drop in enrollment at the branch campus over the past decade, with predictions of fewer than 100 students likely by 2032.
In July, raises were awarded to eight of the 13 chancellors within the University of Wisconsin System; however, Leavitt was not among those receiving an increase. A system spokesperson noted that the chancellors granted raises were catching up to their counterparts in comparable positions.