College of Letters & Science Dean Eric Wilcots has been selected to serve as the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s interim chancellor, effective May 17, University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman announced Wednesday morning.
“I have been impressed by Dean Wilcots’ steady, values‑driven leadership and his deep understanding of UW-Madison’s mission of teaching, research and service,” Rothman wrote in a release. “Wilcots’ long service and deep commitment to the Wisconsin Idea will provide the basis for continuing UW-Madison's progress at a critical moment for the university.”
Wilcot’s appointment comes as current Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin plans to depart UW-Madison for Columbia University following spring commencement on May 9.
“For the past six years, Eric has proven himself to be an effective, impressive and collaborative dean of the College of Letters & Science, the largest college at UW–Madison, and he has evinced deep commitment to excellence in research and a life-changing student experience,” Mnookin said in the statement. “In addition, there are few leaders on our campus with as much passion and commitment to the Wisconsin Idea and the ongoing success of our state’s flagship.”
Wilcots has served as L&S’ dean since May of 2020, serving in the interim role before his permanent appointment. He has worked for the university since 1995, when he first began as a lecturer in the Astronomy Department. He previously served as UW-Madison’s interim provost in 2023 before Charles Isbell Jr.'s appointment.
“I am both humbled and honored to be asked to serve in this leadership role at such a consequential time in UW-Madison’s history,” Wilcots said.
Wilcots will likely remain interim chancellor until summer 2027, current interim Provost John Zumbrunnen said in a Jan. 29 Academic Staff Executive Committee meeting. The Board of Regents will launch a national search to choose UW-Madison’s next chancellor and UW expects to announce a permanent provost, their second-ranking academic leader, in early March before Mnookin’s departure. Mnookin and the new provost will work together to determine interim L&S leadership.
Annika Bereny is the campus news editor for The Daily Cardinal. She previously served as the special pages editor. As a staff writer, she's written in-depth on campus news specializing in protest policy, free speech and historical analysis. She has also written for state and city news. She is a History and Journalism major. Follow her on Twitter at @annikabereny.
