UW-La Crosse selects Beeby as new chancellor

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WLCX) – The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is naming Dr. James Beeby as its new chancellor.

Beeby, who was the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Keene State College in New Hampshire, will be the 11th chancellor in UW-La Crosse history.

“Dr. Beeby’s extensive experience will be a great asset to UW-La Crosse,” Jay Rothman, Universities of Wisconsin President, said. “He has a proven record in student success and collaboration that will be extraordinarily valuable for the entire campus and its community.”

Beeby, a first-generation college student, is a native of England. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wales and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in American culture studies from Bowling Green State University.

“I am very excited to join UW-La Crosse,” Beeby said. “During my visit to this beautiful campus, I was impressed with the dedication of the faculty and staff to student success and transforming lives through excellent academic programs. I was also pleased to see the strong relationship with the city and local community, and I look forward to strengthening those ties as UW-La Crosse continues to serve the needs of the region and the state.”

Beeby was selected from a pool of three finalists, which included UW-La Crosse interim chancellor Betsy Morgan and Christopher Olsen of Indiana State University.

“Betsy Morgan deserves our thanks for stepping up at a difficult moment,” Rothman said. “The campus community is indebted to her for her leadership. She is a wonderful presence within the university and the broader La Crosse community.”

Morgan was named the interim chancellor after former chancellor Joe Gow was fired late last year for conduct damaging the UW System’s reputation, according to a release by UW in December. Gow said he was fired over making sexually explicit videos with his wife and putting them online.

For more information on UWL’s next chancellor, you can visit the UW-La Crosse website.