UW-Parkside Welcomes Steve “Rocky” Donovan as Executive Director for Partnerships, Associate Vice Chancellor
KENOSHA, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is announcing the launch of the UW-Parkside Hub for Partnerships and Workforce Innovation. “The Hub” is a bold leap forward in reimagining how higher education fuels workforce development. Through collaboration with businesses, nonprofits, government, and community partners, “The Hub” will expand opportunities for students to engage in real-world learning, gain career-ready skills, and become the next generation of regional leaders. At the forefront of this initiative is the appointment of seasoned business and community leader Steve “Rocky” Donovan as the University’s inaugural Executive Director for Partnerships.
This appointment represents a strategic evolution for UW-Parkside and is a reflection of the university’s ongoing commitment to academic innovation, high-impact learning, and workforce development, while building on a strong history of community engagement and making meaningful collaboration with UW-Parkside more accessible than ever.
“Universities like UW-Parkside are stewards of place. Their dual mission is to educate and to enrich the economic and cultural life of the region,” said UW-Parkside Provost, Matt Cecil. “Steve is a proven leader who understands the opportunities and needs of Southeastern Wisconsin, and we are thrilled to have him lead this transformational effort.”
In his new role, Donovan will lead the development and launch of “The Hub”—a centralized “front door” to UW-Parkside for businesses, nonprofits, government, and community partners seeking collaboration. “The Hub” will be a key resource for connecting external partners with academic programs, continuing education, research, and workforce training that align with regional needs.
Donovan brings over 30 years of leadership in banking and business development to the position, having most recently served as Executive Vice President at Community State Bank. A UW-Parkside alumnus twice over, Donovan’s deep ties to Racine, Kenosha, and Walworth counties and his passion for community impact have shaped a career focused on connecting people, resources, and opportunities.
“I believe that, together, we have the power to transform our communities into better places to live, work, and do business,” said Donovan. “UW-Parkside is uniquely positioned to foster these connections. I’m honored to return to my alma mater to help build partnerships that drive growth, opportunity, and long-term success for our region.”
- Donovan’s leadership will focus on:
- Creating sustainable and scalable partnerships across sectors
- Supporting key workforce areas like healthcare, AI, and data analytics
- Expanding continuing education and high-impact learning opportunities
- Connecting students with internships, co-ops, and career-ready experiences
- Convening leaders around regional economic and cultural development
In addition to his professional background, Donovan has held numerous leadership roles in civic organizations, including the UW-Parkside Foundation Board, RKCAA, RAMAC, Racine Founders Rotary Club, YMCA boards in both Racine and Kenosha, and the Racine Community Foundation. He has earned several accolades for his community service and professional excellence, including the RAMAC Business Person of the Year, American Cancer Society Spirit of Hope Award, The YMCA’s Leadership Award of Excellence, and UW-Parkside Distinguished Alumni Award.
Since its founding in 1968, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside has been a trusted partner for the region’s higher educational needs, empowering students to thrive, advancing applied knowledge, and developing talent for the future. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and pre-professional programs, designed to foster personal and professional growth through real-world and impactful learning experiences. Located in the dynamic Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, UW-Parkside offers unmatched access to world-class internships, professional networks, and endless career-building opportunities, placing students at the center of it all.
Media contact:
Derek Fye
Communications Manager
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Fye@uwp.edu | (262) 771-5419