ABOVE PHOTO: John Chenoweth, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UW-Whitewater, congratulates graduates at a commencement ceremony. Chenoweth was named Tuesday as interim chancellor at UW-River Falls. Contributed photo
John Chenoweth has been named interim chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a position he said his past has prepared him for.
Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman announced the appointment of Chenoweth as interim chancellor at UWRF on Tuesday. Chenoweth is currently provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. His appointment is effective March 1.
Chenoweth was interim chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from April 2022 to February 2023. His experience in that position will serve him well in his new job at UWRF, he said.
“I am really excited to join the exceptional faculty, staff and students at UW-River Falls,” Chenoweth said. “I have been in the interim role before and bring that background and those experiences with me. I know how to navigate the challenges you face in that role, and how to move toward the opportunities that exist.”
Chenoweth replaces Interim Chancellor Mike Martin, who was hired in September to fill in for Chancellor Maria Gallo after she retired. During his six-month tenure, Martin helped UWRF better understand its challenges and opportunities. He acknowledged that UWRF needs a longer-term leader.
Rothman said he anticipates that Chenoweth will serve as interim chancellor for an extended time. Interim appointments can be for up to three years.
Chenoweth stressed the need to engage with faculty, staff and students to build a sense of stability at UWRF. “President Rothman wants to make sure that campus understands this is not someone coming to campus for a few months,” Chenoweth said.
Chenoweth’s experiences make him a strong fit for the interim chancellor job at UWRF, Rothman said.
“John is a seasoned leader who has built strong relationships at our universities that will enable him to hit the ground running at UW-River Falls,” Rothman said. “I expect him to lead UW-River Falls well into the future and position UW-River Falls to best leverage the opportunities of the community and region.”
Rothman praised Martin for his work as interim chancellor, saying that he “initiated a vision for UW-River Falls that I believe John will build upon.”
Chenoweth brings a wealth of administrative experience to the role. He served in numerous administrative jobs at UW-Whitewater, including as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs since July 2021. He was dean of the College of Business and Economics from 2015-21, associate dean from 2011-15, interim director of the Center for Global Education from January-August 2011 and department chair of Information Technology and Business Education from 2006-11. In addition, Chenoweth was co-director of the Wisconsin Center for Information Technology Services from 2008-2021.
Prior to his time at UW-Whitewater, Chenoweth was assistant professor of computer science at East Tennessee State University from 1993-2002. His experience with budget challenges and strategic planning at UW-Whitewater will prove beneficial as he leads UWRF, Chenoweth said. He was also involved with initiatives to increase enrollment while at UW-Whitewater.
Chenoweth expressed his excitement for the future of UWRF and sees great promise in what lies ahead for the campus. UWRF’s proximity to the Twin Cities represents a “definite opportunity” to continue to boost enrollment and build partnerships for the Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) scheduled to open in January 2026, he said.
“I want to get deeply involved with UW-River Falls and in the community,” he said. “I am excited to join UW-River Falls, and I look forward to collaborating as we move the university forward.”
