ABOVE PHOTO: UW-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo interacts with a student during a t-shirt giveaway on campus in May 2023. Gallo has announced that she is retiring and will be replaced by interim Chancellor Michael V. Martin on Sept. 7. UWRF/Pat Deninger photo
University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo has announced her retirement.
Gallo, the 20th chancellor of UWRF began her post in July 2021, after serving as the president of Delaware Valley University. In an announcement to campus, she said she had planned to finish her career in higher education at UWRF and recently made what she called “the difficult decision” to retire. Her last day will be Sept. 6.
“It became clear that the timing was right for me, my family, and the campus to make this change now.”
“Over the past weeks and months, I have thought a great deal about you and our students, as well as the important, long-term work that lies ahead for the university,” Gallo said in her message to faculty and staff. “It became clear that the timing was right for me, my family, and the campus to make this change now.”
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman has named Michael V. Martin as UWRF’s interim chancellor. His appointment will take effect Sept. 7, but Martin will spend time on campus and work with Gallo on transitions before that date.
Martin has had a long career in higher education. He has served as president of New Mexico State University, chancellor of Louisiana State University, chancellor of Colorado State University, and most recently president of Florida Gulf Coast University. He worked in numerous faculty and administrative positions at the University of Minnesota and has Wisconsin connections, having taught at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and at the former University of Wisconsin Center in Medford.
Martin and Gallo also share a connection. They worked together at the University of Minnesota and then at the University of Florida.
“Mike Martin has extensive experience as a higher education leader and has come highly recommended by Chancellor Gallo,” Rothman said. “I am delighted he has agreed to lead the university until we find a permanent chancellor.”
Rothman said a search committee will be named at a future date to identify a permanent chancellor.
Gallo said she plans to move to Florida with her partner to spend time with family and friends, write and volunteer.
Many notable accomplishments occurred at UW-River Falls during Gallo’s tenure. Faculty, students and staff continued to learn through the coronavirus pandemic. Construction began on the $117 million Science and Technology Innovation Center, the largest facility in the university’s 150-year history. The state-of-the-art Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence opened. Strategic, academic and enrollment management plans were created and implemented.
Among other achievements, Gallo and others successfully advocated for changing the Wisconsin/Minnesota tuition reciprocity funding process to benefit UWRF, launched new programs and set fundraising records.
Rothman and Board of Regents President Amy Bogost praised Gallo’s leadership.
“As the 20th leader of UW-River Falls, Chancellor Gallo remained focused on student success, affordability, and career readiness,” Bogost said. “The partnerships she forged with employers and the community will help sustain the university in the coming years.”
Gallo also noted challenges during her time on campus. In addition to getting through the pandemic, budgetary constraints and meeting the needs for increased mental health services to students have posed difficulties. Through it all, she said the highlight of her work at the university has been engaging with thousands of talented students and seeing them advance their careers.
“Serving as the chancellor of UW-River Falls has been such a privilege that has afforded me the opportunity to make a positive difference for so many students,” she said.
Gallo expressed her appreciation for the talented faculty and staff that make up UWRF. She also thanked the many alumni and others who support the university in many ways. Such support, she said, makes possible great student outcomes for a cost that is less than many other public universities.
“There is no doubt that UW-River Falls is of enormous value to the city of River Falls, the region and to Wisconsin,” Gallo said. “This will not change when UW-River Falls selects a new chancellor who will be dedicated to continuing the 150-year legacy of this great university and lead it forward.”
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