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Dr. Lynn Akey
Chancellor, UW-Parkside
 

Dr. Lynn D. Akey, Ph.D., is an engaged leader committed to educational excellence and student focused success. Her broad knowledge of higher education has been shaped by administrative appointments, professional engagement, and educational experiences that cross several sectors of the higher education landscape over the past 25 years. Her passion for higher education centers on the power of education to transform lives, our communities, and, by extension, our world.

As the founding Vice President for the Division of Student Success, Analytics and Integrated Planning at Minnesota State University, Mankato, Dr. Akey lead with expertise in strategic and integrated planning; student enrollment, development, and success; financial sustainability and resource management; analytics and data-informed decision making; and assessment of student learning and accreditation. With her vision and leadership, the University advanced a comprehensive student-focused approach to student success, increased student enrollment, retention, and completion and decreased success gaps for historically underserved populations. Previously, Dr. Akey also held administrative appointments in Academic Affairs and Student Affairs.

Professional engagement for Dr. Akey is longstanding at the national, regional, and local levels. Dr. Akey served on the Board of Directors for the Society of College and University Planning (SCUP), completed two elected terms as Board Chair. In addition, she served SCUP as an integrated planning coach and facilitator for the Planning Institute. She was a member of the Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Corps since 2014 and served as an evaluator for the Performance Excellence Network focused on helping organizations improve results, facilitate innovation, sustain operations, and reach higher levels of excellence. Within her community, Dr. Akey enjoyed professional service with Visit Mankato of Greater Mankato Growth and as a Board member for the American Red Cross and Voluntary Interfaith Network Effort.

Recognized as a higher education leader, Dr. Akey has provided consultation for universities, community and technical colleges, and service within the Minnesota State system in academic and student affairs, data governance, integrated planning, and analytics. Recently, she led workshops with Vice Chancellors from 13 public higher education institutions focused on advancing the capacity of Pakistan’s higher education institutions and systems to develop employable graduates.

Dr. Akey earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Policy and Administration at the University of Minnesota, her Master of Arts degree in College Student Personnel at Bowling Green State University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at Truman State University.

CHANCELLOR OFFICE EVENTS

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Chancellor Updates and News

  • Impact of Leadership Podcast

    CHANCELLOR AKEY JOINS THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP PODCAST


    In every leadership transition, there are great things and challenging things. John Maxwell says, “The bigger the obstacle, the bigger the opportunity.” Which is a nice phrase until you’re facing challenges.

    Dr. Lynn Akey is the new Chancellor of The University of Wisconsin Parkside, and she is a leader you would follow. She’s accomplished, passionate, inquisitive, and courageous.

    In this conversation, we get to know Parkside’s new leader and hear how she’s approached the transition into the role of Chancellor.

    Listen Now!

  • Dr. Lynn D. Akey

    DR. LYNN D. AKEY NAMED NEW CHANCELLOR OF UW-PARKSIDE


    Dr. Lynn D. Akey, Vice President for Student Success, Analytics and Integrated Planning at Minnesota State University, Mankato, has been named the 7th Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Parkside.

    The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents unanimously approved Akey’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Akey will assume the leadership post January 2, 2024.

    Read More

UW-Parkside 2025 Strategic Framework has a bold vision to create more talent for our region, our state, our nation, and our world. Our future goals will continue to align with the hallmarks of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside: student success, academic excellence, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.

Our strategic framework is establishing a clear path for the university's and its graduates' future success. We are committed to providing the opportunity for a university degree to a diverse group of individuals.

2025 Strategic Framework

262-595-2211  |  chancellor@uwp.edu

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