Dr. Lynn Akey Selected as Next Chancellor of UW-Parkside
Dr. Lynn D. Akey Named New Chancellor of UW-Parkside
MADISON, Wis.—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 has unanimously approved Akey’s appointment, following a recommendation made by a selection committee. Akey will assume the leadership post January 2, 2024.
Akey has served in her current position since 2019 and established a new student success approach that led to increased re-enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. She also has overseen strategic planning at the Mankato campus for the past 10 years. She has served the Mankato campus since 2000 in such roles as Associate Vice President for Institutional Research, Strategy, and Effectiveness; Assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs; Assessment Coordinator; and Assistant Director for Academic Initiatives in the Office of the First Year Experience. She was named Minnesota State System Academic and Student Affairs Administrator of the Year in 2021.
“Lynn’s extensive experience in student success makes her a perfect fit for UW-Parkside,” said Jay Rothman, UW System President. “She deeply understands how strategic planning, enrollment management, and the student experience work together.”
“UW-Parkside provides outstanding academic programs, incredible learning experiences with dedicated faculty and staff, and life-changing opportunities in a vibrant location,” Akey said. “I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, and the surrounding communities to pursue bold goals for the future.”
“Dr. Akey is ready to build upon the great foundation left by Chancellor Debbie Ford,” said Regent Kyle Weatherly, chair of the Search and Screen Committee. “UW-Parkside has made great strides in helping students progress toward graduation in recent years and our new chancellor will continue that momentum.”
“We are very happy to welcome Dr. Lynn Akey as the next Chancellor of UW-Parkside. During the search process, she demonstrated that she is already one of us, and we look forward to building new relationships with her as she helps us to move forward,” said Adrienne Viramontes, Professor and Department Chair, College of Arts and Humanities, and vice chair of the search committee.