Chancellor Ford's Biography

Dr. Deborah (Debbie) Ford is the sixth chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. She was selected by the Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and was inaugurated Friday, November 6, 2009.

Since her arrival on campus, Dr. Ford has stressed the importance of strategic planning. The UW-Parkside Promise, a detailed strategic plan setting forth campus goals for enrollment, academic achievement, diversity, campus culture and climate, and community engagement sets a clear path for the future of the institution.

Attainment of the strategic goals is linked to several basic precepts or hallmarks. Student Success, Academic Excellence, Diversity and Inclusiveness, and Community Engagement. Read an explanation of the Four Hallmarks in Dr. Ford's words.

A strong believer in community engagement, Dr. Ford recently concluded a two-year term on the American Council on Education's Commission on Effective Leadership, and currently serves on a

number of boards and councils in southeastern Wisconsin.

Milwaukee 7 Advisory Council (2010-present)

Kenosha County Workforce Development Board of Directors (2011-present)

Kenosha Area Business Alliance Board of Directors (2009-present)

Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce Board of Directors (2009-present)

Racine County Workforce Development Board of Directors (2009-present)

Dr. Ford has presented to numerous national education organizations.

National Small College Enrollment Conference

National Collegiate Athletic Association

NASPA-Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education

National Association of College and University Business Officers

Society for College and University Planning

 

Her publications have appeared in New Direction for Student Services, NASPA Leadership Exchange, and the Journal of College and Character.

Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Dr. Ford served as vice president of student affairs at the University of West Florida. Earlier, she served as vice president and dean of students at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Ford received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Louisville and a master of science degree from Indiana University. She returned to the University of Louisville to earn her doctorate in education.

As chancellor, Dr. Ford leads the most diverse campus in the prestigious University of Wisconsin System. Students of color comprise 25 percent of the total student population. The University of Wisconsin-Parkside, is one of 11 four-year comprehensive campuses in the UW System serving 5,000 students.