Kate Burns moves into permanent role as UW-Green Bay Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Chancellor Mike Alexander announced on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021, that Kate Burns, the former interim provost will take on the permanent position. In his letter to the campus community, Alexander wrote:

Provost Kate Burns

“I am excited to announce that Kate Burns has been appointed as the next Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, effective immediately. Since being named Interim Provost in May of 2020, Kate has successfully managed two years of enrollment growth in the most complicated circumstances higher education has likely ever seen. She has guided Academic Affairs through massive shifts in modality during every semester she has been in the role. Despite being primarily in a virtual environment, she has gained the trust of her colleagues across the state and at UW System. She has led the effort to overhaul our advising system and has built consensus around important issues regarding how we are developing as an access institution.

I can keep going, but all of this is not why I feel Kate is right for the job now and in the future. Having been in the position for 18 months, she is the most experienced provost in the pool; knows the pressures it brings, and understands what we need moving forward. Second, Kate has tremendous character and integrity. It is vital to me and to the whole university that we have someone in the role whose judgment is always sound and student-centered. Third, Kate is an exceptional listener and has the inner strength and courage that is required in the role. She will work collaboratively, but also quickly and decisively to move Academic Affairs ahead. Finally, Kate fully understands our mission and knows how to help us move towards it. This is essential for us to continue the momentum we have.

I want to thank members of the search committee, led by Sheryl Van Gruensven, for their work. It was important that we do a full national search for this position.  Please join me in congratulating, Kate. We are very fortunate to have her leadership at UW-Green Bay!”