Posted 4:13 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, 2023
Three alumni named to UWL chancellor search committee
Three UW-La Crosse alumni will play key roles in identifying the university’s next chancellor.
Todd Taylor, ’80; Kelly Nowicki, ’98 & ’02; and Lisa Weston, ’05; have been appointed to the 11-member Search and Screen Committee. The committee — chaired by UW Regent Ashok Rai and vice-chaired by UWL Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice Enilda Delgado — will spend the next several months working to identify the person who will succeed Chancellor Joe Gow.
Gow, who recently announced his plans to step down after the conclusion of the 2023-24 academic year, will transition into a faculty role in the Communication Studies Department.
Learn more about the alumni below.
Todd Taylor, ’80, Business
What is your role at UWL? Chair of the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation Board.
Why is UWL important to you? UWL played an important role in preparing me for my career. I am grateful for the many professors that nurtured my development, as well as the many lifelong friends I made at UWL.
Why are you looking forward to serving on the committee? I am so thrilled to be chosen to be on the chancellor Search and Screen Committee. The new chancellor will play such a key role in continuing the excellent standing of UWL in Wisconsin and nationally. The chancellor will need to advocate for the university by nurturing relationships with local businesses and legislators. Lastly, the new chancellor will need to embrace being the chief development officer for building philanthropic support of this great institution.
Kelly Nowicki, ’98 & ’02, Marketing, Spanish, MBA
What is your role at UWL? Associate teaching professor of Management.
Why is UWL important to you? UWL is important to me for a number of reasons. First, I received my college education here, and I had a number of mentors from UWL, one who still today, I engage with for advice and mentorship. As well, I met my husband here. Second, UWL is my employer, and I consider myself an engaged employee. Thirdly, UWL is such an important system in the greater La Crosse community — and I am proud of the work which faculty, staff and students do on campus and in the community.
Why are you looking forward to serving on the committee? I am looking forward to working with my colleagues here on campus and the Regents to move UWL into the next era of leadership.
Lisa Weston, ’05, Secondary Education, Social Studies
What is your role at UWL? Associate director of Residence Life.
Why is UWL important to you? As the place where I learned to be an adult, the campus and region hold a lot of important memories and experiences for me. During my time as an undergrad, I never imagined I would be working at UWL as a professional. But there is a pull to this place. There is a reason so many alumni find themselves working in and around UWL. My pull is about the strength of relationships and high engagement of staff, students and faculty. The core of my job is to assist with student belonging, safety and success, and my ability to do that is because of the many people across the campus who share in that work. The people don't just invest in students — they also invest in their teammates and their colleagues across campus. I sincerely enjoy coming to work everyday for the fun, the stories and the heartwarming impact I'm able to make with students in small and big ways.
Why are you looking forward to serving on the committee? I was initially intrigued because I've been involved in many search committees at UWL for a variety of positions, and this is certainly a different type of search. I'm invested in the success of this search because education at all levels is important to me. I hope to contribute thoughts, questions and ideas that represent the many areas of Academic Staff that I know are critical to the success of students at UWL. We've learned a lot in the last few years about how the out-of-classroom experience impacts a student's ability to succeed in the classroom. I hope to aid in finding a leader who values the whole student experience. And I am confident I can speak to candidates about the incredible community and the inspiring students at UWL.