The Special Regent Committee overseeing the UW‑Madison chancellor search released the names of the three finalists on Thursday, marking the next step toward selecting a permanent leader for the university.
Finalists and upcoming public forums
The committee identified the following candidates as the final contenders:
- Candidate A (name withheld pending official release)
- Candidate B (name withheld pending official release)
- Candidate C (name withheld pending official release)
Each finalist will appear at public forums scheduled for next week. The forums will give students, faculty, staff, deans and other university partners an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from the candidates about their vision for the campus.
How the community can weigh in
Members of the Madison community are invited to share their thoughts on the finalists. Feedback can be submitted online via the link provided by the university until 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14. The university has emphasized that input from students, employees and local residents will be considered as part of the final decision‑making process.
Interim leadership and background
Dr. Eric Wilcots, dean of the College of Letters & Science, has been serving as interim chancellor since May. He stepped into the role after former Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin announced in January that she would leave UW‑Madison to accept a position at Columbia University.
Wilcots’ interim tenure has focused on maintaining continuity in academic programs, research initiatives and campus operations while the search proceeds. The university’s Board of Regents has praised his steady stewardship during this transitional period.
What’s next for the search
Following the public forums, the Special Regent Committee will convene to evaluate the candidates’ responses and overall fit for the university’s strategic priorities. A final recommendation will be presented to the Board of Regents, which is expected to make its decision before the end of the calendar year.
UW‑Madison officials encourage all stakeholders to participate in the feedback process, noting that the chancellor’s leadership will shape the university’s direction for years to come.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
