Campus Connection

New chancellor brings a wealth of experience, a student-centered philosophy and a growing appreciation for what makes this place special 

There’s a new chancellor in town.  

James Beeby became the 11th leader in UW-La Crosse’s 115-year history on July 1, ushering in a new era in the university’s continual pursuit of academic and cocurricular excellence, community and civic engagement, and service to the state of Wisconsin. 

Beeby, who most recently served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Keene State College in New Hampshire, brings a unique perspective to the university’s highest office. 

Raised in a small village in eastern England, Beeby was a first-generation college student. After earning his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wales (United Kingdom), he moved to the United States to pursue a graduate degree from Bowling Green State University.  

He planned to return to England after his schoolwork but instead fell in love with the U.S. — a love that had been slowly blooming since childhood. After getting a taste of life in America, he decided he didn’t want to live anywhere else. 

Now, after rising the ranks from professor to chair to dean to provost at several universities in the eastern half of the U.S., Beeby is ready to make his mark in the Coulee Region — a place that he says is already beginning to feel like home. 

We checked in with Chancellor Beeby to learn more about his first weeks on the job, his short-lived career as a cricket player, his love for American history and culture, and more. 

Q: Now that you’ve spent some time here, what are your impressions of UWL? 

A: My first impressions of UWL are that this is a wonderful student-centered university, with an excellent academic reputation and profile, with superb faculty and high-quality staff who are dedicated to the mission of this great institution. It is such a welcoming campus community, and it is a beautiful and well-maintained campus. I have met so many colleagues walking around and talked with so many students who just love it here. My initial impressions are all very positive, and I am excited to be here.

Q: Is there anything that has surprised you about the campus or the community? 

A: The only thing that surprised me was all the rain in my first week here and the flooding of the Mississippi River. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming, both on campus and in the community, and genuinely interested in talking to me about UWL and La Crosse and their pride in both. It is wonderful to hear. I am discovering all the local spots, coffee shops and restaurants, and I really like how walkable the city is. I like to walk a lot, and I am just so pleased that I can do that.

Q: How would you describe your leadership style?

A: I would describe my leadership style as a combination of transformative leadership and democratic leadership. I am someone who is dedicated to bringing folks together and supporting and empowering colleagues to do their very best work through collaboration and shared governance. A strong and dedicated team, rowing in the same direction, is critical for effective leadership to be successful. I believe it is important to have clear goals and strategies. I also believe it is important, especially when managing change, to have effective communication, real collaboration and a commitment to see that change through. That means paying attention and listening. My hope is to be as approachable and engaging as possible and to believe in those who are at UWL and support everyone to be the best they can be.

Q: What is the importance of philanthropy and alumni engagement at UWL? 

A: I have heard from so many alumni who love their alma mater and care about the future of this institution. There is a lot of pride here, and that is manifest. It is important that UWL is accessible and open to our alumni and members of the community, and I look forward to meeting many more of them at campus and community events. Hearing about their stories and successes helps us tell the story of UWL. Part of sharing the UWL story is creating opportunities for current and future generations of students through philanthropy. This is something we do not take for granted. I believe in being a good steward of the investments made by our alumni and friends — be it their time, treasure or talent. When UWL receives philanthropic support, it impacts lives for years to come. It creates new opportunities for our students, supports the critical work of our staff and faculty, and allows us to make a greater contribution to the common good. I want to thank everyone for their continued support of UWL. I understand that not everyone is able to give back, but I want all of our alumni and friends to know they are welcome to stay connected and visit campus as often as they can.

Q: Could you share a bit about your academic interests? 

A: My specialty is in U.S. history, particularly U.S. political history, the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, African American History and Southern History — particularly populism, the rise of Jim Crow and segregation, and American cultural history. Teaching is my passion. I enjoy encouraging students to think critically, learn about the past, and master the tools that will help them be successful citizens and leaders, both in their careers and communities. I particularly enjoy working with students on primary source research projects and on presenting their work or publishing their work in academic journals. I love seeing their passion for history and their ability to think about things in new ways. I enjoy seeing students’ eyes light up when they learn new things, experience new ways of viewing the world and see connections from the past in the world of today.

Q: Moving from England to the United States must have been challenging in some ways. What was the biggest adjustment? 

A: I moved to the U.S. in 1993. In those days, the hardest part was finding some good afternoon tea and English biscuits (cookies). That, and driving on the other side of the road. Now both are much  
easier. To be honest, the hardest part was getting used to the U.S. system of education; it is very different to the British system. But what I really liked was how much more accessible higher education is in the U.S. I think I quickly made the transition here and made some great friends and had wonderful professors who supported and mentored me during the transition and beyond. Being part of an academic and intellectual community is just wonderful, and that has sustained me for the past 31 years and will continue to do so. I believe this is the best system of higher education in the world. Of course, I still miss my family and friends in the U.K., but FaceTime has made it easier. I love being in the U.S. and was excited to become a U.S. citizen. This is my home now. 

Q: What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you? 

A: I used to play a sport called cricket for a small village in England and for my university. I was not very good, to be honest, but I loved the game and made lifelong friends. It taught me so much about leadership and teamwork, practicing and honing a skill, and the enjoyment of sport. The thing I liked best was the food — you would have a lovely tea between innings, which consisted of sandwiches, cups of tea and homemade cakes. I have a sweet tooth, and I always made sure I was not running around too much after three slices of sponge cake. Apart from that, I loved American culture when I was growing up in the 1970s and 80s in England. My father loves Elvis, so I grew up listening to Elvis on long car rides for summer holidays. I was more excited about American soul music, especially from the 1960s and 70s, and was blown away by the music of Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield. I listen to that music even now, along with jazz and blues.

Q: How else do you spend your free time?

A: My hobbies these days are walking, going to local coffee shops, taking in live music, art and theater, and traveling. On weekends, you might see me at a coffee shop in downtown La Crosse, enjoying a decaffeinated coffee and a scone. Please stop and say hello if you do.

Q: What are your favorite moments from your career so far? 

A: My favorite moments revolve around students and their success. Seeing a student, one who has struggled or overcome adversity, go on to graduate is just so powerful. I love commencement and seeing the pride on the faces of family and friends and the sheer joy from the student. I know many other faculty and staff have similar stories. I have former students who have become academics, and others who work at universities, teach in local schools, own their own business, work in government, have a family, live abroad and volunteer in their communities. Seeing what they go on to do is one of my favorite parts of my career. My other favorite part is seeing colleagues be successful — for example, a friend publishing a new book or article, or winning a teaching or service award. Seeing a colleague make a difference in the community is just wonderful for me. 

Q: What are your priorities for UWL in the years ahead? 

A: A critical priority for UWL is to continue to be an academically excellent university, a destination university for students in western Wisconsin and beyond. We must remain a highly regarded university that is student-centered in all that we do. We cannot accomplish this without being mindful of our fiscal situation and continuing to have a balanced budget. This means investing resources wisely and positioning ourselves to meet future challenges and embrace new opportunities. I want to listen and learn as much as I can and make connections across the campus community. This will be crucial as we develop and implement a strategic plan that will carry us into the future. Another priority is taking the Prairie Springs project across the finish line. This is critical to UWL and to the region and the workforce needs of the state. I believe UWL has more opportunities to partner with the city, region, local businesses, civic organizations, and meet the workforce needs of La Crosse and the entire state. We must also strengthen our connections with alumni and friends across the region and beyond. Telling our story and highlighting those connections will position us to receive the resources we need to remain a campus of choice for students. I believe UWL has many opportunities ahead, and having such wonderful colleagues and partners gives me great confidence we will continue to thrive.