PHOTO: Rep. Shannon Zimmerman presents UW-River Falls Chancellor Maria Gallo with a legislative citation recognizing the university’s 150-year anniversary during Monday’s Opening Meeting on campus that marks the beginning of the academic year. Gallo is retiring from her chancellor position. UWRF/Pat Deninger photo.
The University of Wisconsin-River Falls remains committed to providing students with a high-quality education, and the institution will continue to do so even as the university’s leadership transitions when Chancellor Maria Gallo retires next month, she told attendees of the university’s Opening Meeting Monday.
Gallo, who began as chancellor at UWRF in 2021, announced her retirement last month. Her last day at the university is Sept. 5. Michael Martin has been named interim chancellor.
“As I reflect on these last three years, we have accomplished so much,” Gallo said. “I am proud of these milestones we reached together.”
Gallo recounted how she arrived at UWRF during the River Falls Days celebration and was greeted by countless community members. That warm welcome kicked off her tenure at the university in a positive manner, she said.
“I met so many of you who were sweet and warm, welcoming me to the city and to the university,” Gallo said. “It was a fabulous way to begin my tenure, feeling like I belonged here.”
Gallo said she felt increasingly at home at UWRF during her time at the university. She highlighted accomplishments during her time leading UWRF, among them is the $117 million Science and Technology Innovation Center (SciTech) that is under construction and is scheduled to open in January 2026. SciTech will provide students with state-of-the-art research opportunities and collaboration with businesses, creating student links to employers while building the regional economy.
Others include the opening of the Wuethrich Family/Grassland Dairy Center of Excellence; strategic, academic and enrollment management plans; setting a fundraising record; and the successful changing of the Wisconsin/Minnesota tuition reciprocity funding process that will benefit UWRF monetarily.
“As I reflect on these last three years, we have accomplished so much,” Gallo said. “I am proud of these milestones we reached together.”
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 as president of Florida Gulf Coast University. He worked in multiple faculty and administrative jobs 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.
He and Gallo worked together previously at the University of Minnesota and the University of Florida. A search committee will be named at a future date to identify a new chancellor at UWRF.
Martin praised Gallo for her efforts as chancellor and for other work during her career. He noted the important role that regional four-year universities play in providing students with a quality education and in building the economy.
Universities of Wisconsin schools and universities across the country face financial and enrollment challenges. However, Martin said, UWRF is positioned to succeed despite those difficulties.
“There is really a commitment collectively here to drive this institution to its next great era,” he said. “I hope in my period of time here, I can make some contribution toward making that happen.”
Opening Meeting attendees heard about ways UWRF will celebrate its 150th anniversary. Rep. Shannon Zimmerman presented UWRF with a legislative citation recognizing the founding of the university in 1874 and discussed the importance of the university to the region. Gov. Tony Evers previously recognized the university’s milestone with a congratulatory commendation.
“Today we honor the university for 150 fantastic years,” Zimmerman said. “The memorialization of what you all have done lives on in the students who have graduated from here.”
Gallo reflected on the university’s 150 years, during which time UWRF has educated tens of thousands of students who have been served by dedicated professors and staff who set them up for success in life.
“We all know that UWRF is more than just an institution of higher learning,” Gallo said. “It is a vibrant community, a place where ideas are born, where the leaders of tomorrow are shaped, and where lifelong friendships are forged. That’s what UWRF does every single day. We change the world through our students.”
During the meeting, recipients of the 2024 faculty excellence awards were announced and recognized, along with UW-River Falls employees for their years of service. Award recipients include: Distinguished Teaching Award, David Bonko; Adviser of the Year, Chris Hergenrader; University Excellence Award in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities, Hiawatha Smith; and University Excellence Award in Service, Steven Kelm. UWRF’s sustainability program was also recognized for achieving a STARS Gold rating, its highest ranking in terms of meeting high standards for sustainability practices.
