
Message from Interim Chancellor John Chenoweth
Dear university community,
Today, UW System released additional information about the resignation of former Interim Chancellor Jim Henderson. In a statement issued to members of the news media, Interim UW System President Mike Falbo said, in part:
“A couple of weeks ago, I met with the chancellors to discuss initiatives in progress, including a survey of UW System students on free speech by the Menard Center for the Study of Institutions and Innovation and the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service. The chancellors raised concerns about the survey, at which time I informed the Menard Center we would not be participating. When I received more information and feedback… I felt more comfortable with the survey and its timing. This was reinforced by the fact the universities’ own Institutional Review Boards had approved it as a research issue. I acknowledge that some chancellors were disappointed in that decision, and it regrettably led to a resignation.”
You can find more information about the survey at this link.
I hope this provides some context as to Dr. Henderson’s unexpected departure.
I would also like to share with you that, in notifying UW-Whitewater Cabinet members of his resignation, Jim Henderson said it was an incredibly difficult decision and had nothing to do with UW-Whitewater, its people or its programs. He expressed strong admiration for all we have accomplished at the Whitewater and Rock County campuses, and deep respect for our outstanding students, faculty and staff.
UW-Whitewater is an exceptional place to live, learn and work. For 20 years, I have been a proud member of this university family (as faculty member, dean and provost) as well as a resident of the Whitewater community. Serving as your interim chancellor is a privilege and I look forward to working with you as we deliver on our mission.
Tomorrow morning, I, along with the vice chancellors and members of Cabinet, will meet with the wider UW-Whitewater leadership group to discuss plans and next steps for moving the university forward.
UW System Board of Regents President Edmund Manydeeds III is expected this week to provide an update on a search for the future chancellor of our institution. As new information is available, we will share it with you. Please rest assured that we will do everything in our power during the search process to ensure UW-Whitewater secures an excellent permanent chancellor.
In the meantime, we move forward together with our noble and important mission.
Over the next six weeks, we get to showcase and celebrate the very best of our institution.On Friday, the dedicated members of our UW-Whitewater Foundation Board meet to continue their work to enhance our philanthropic efforts to support the priorities and goals of the university. On Saturday, we recognize outstanding juniors, recent alumni and distinguished alumni at our annual Founders Day. On April 29, more than 300 prospective students and family members will visit campus for Preview Day. This May, our graduating seniors will take part in the Hired Before Graduation tradition to celebrate their next steps, from careers to grad school. And we have not one, but four commencement ceremonies planned to honor the newest Warhawk alumni and applaud all that they have achieved.
I sincerely thank you for all you have done and continue to do on behalf of the university. You each contribute to Warhawk excellence.
John Chenoweth
Interim Chancellor