New UW-Madison chancellor Mnookin talks diplomacy, diversity and academic freedom

Jennifer L. Mnookin is slated to start as the 30th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison on August 4. The UW System Board of Regents announced its selection of Mnookin on May 16, prompting swift reaction from politicians and educators around the state.

A 21-member committee of regents, faculty and staff, students and community representatives started their search process in January after UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced her resignation to serve as president of Northwestern University. Mnookin was one of 37 candidates for the position, which was winnowed to five finalists. Support from the full Board of Regents was required for the office...

...Mnookin also aims to increase UW-Madison`s efforts to diversify its student body, staff and faculty members. During her time at UCLA, she launched various scholarship programs for people from underrepresented communities, including the Black Law Students Association scholarship and the Graton Scholars program. One of her hopes for Wisconsin is to focus on building UW-Madison`s connections with Indigenous communities in the state. ...

..."Chancellor Mnookin stood out in terms of her energy and approach surrounding EDI and what she might do at Madison," Walsh said in the May 17 press briefing. EDI stands for equity, diversity and inclusion...

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Chancellor Rebecca Blank says goodbye to UW-Madison

Rebecca Blank gave her last address as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Wednesday, May 11. She reflected upon many accomplishments the university achieved over her nine years of service, such as more stable finances, research expansion and sustainable diversity initiatives...

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Ken Notes: We would like to welcome Chancellor Mnookin. Chancellor Blank`s remarks focused on DEI and suggested, "More work needs to be done..."