Artanya Wesley named vice chancellor for student affairs
Chancellor Dwight C. Watson announced the appointment of Artanya Wesley as vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
“At a time when higher education is changing at a rapid pace and new challenges and opportunities regularly present themselves, I am elated that Artanya Wesley will be leading our Division of Student Affairs,” Watson said. “From her unwavering dedication to student success to her strong ability to build trust and effective partnerships, Dr. Wesley has helped moved our campus forward. She has established a strategic vision for student affairs that will serve our Whitewater and Rock County campuses well. She embodies the Warhawk family core values of integrity and collaboration, and is respected by students, faculty, staff and members of the community.”
Wesley assumes her new role on April 13, and will oversee the areas of University Housing, Dean of Students Office, Career and Leadership Development, Center for Students with Disabilities, University Health and Counseling Services, University Center, Children’s Center and Bookstore/Textbook Rental.
“I’m very grateful to be afforded the opportunity to serve as the new vice chancellor for student affairs at UW-Whitewater,” Wesley said. “I am excited that I am able to continue to advocate for and support our students, while working with committed and passionate colleagues across campus. I look forward to leading the Division of Student Affairs to new and innovative heights.”
Since July 2019, she has served as interim vice chancellor for student affairs at UW-Whitewater, where she has led or participated in several strategic initiatives on critical issues such as budget, student success and retention, and student health and safety.
Wesley joined the university in July 2016 as dean of students, where she was responsible for the implementation and enforcement of UW-Whitewater’s administrative codes of conduct, served as the university ombudsperson relating to student issues and concerns, and provided guidance and consultation to faculty and staff regarding students’ academic, behavioral and mental health and safety in and out of the classroom.
She previously served as a senior academic planner for student affairs in the Office of Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Student Success at UW System, and in several student affairs roles at UW-Platteville, from residence hall director to dean of students. Her professional experience includes presentations at the local and national level on topics ranging from university housing to Title IX to student recruitment and retention.
The University of Wisconsin System honored Wesley with the Outstanding Woman of Color award – twice – in 2009 and 2019.
Wesley earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Capella University and two degrees from UW-Platteville: Master of Science in Education (Counselor Education) and Bachelor of Science (Psychology).
"With the national search now concluded, I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to Dr. Kenny Yarbrough for his leadership in chairing the search and screen committee, to the members of the committee for their diligent work, and to everyone on campus who participated in the search process,” Watson said.