Dear Friends and Colleagues,

This morning, as I flew into Appleton, the deep blue sky with its soft white clouds felt symbolic—an omen of a bright horizon. I am honored, humbled, and energized to begin my service as the Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. It is with deep gratitude that I thank you for welcoming me and my wife Tejinder into the UWO family. We feel truly blessed.

UWO stands tall on a proud, more-than 150-year legacy of transforming lives through education. It is a place where generations have come together to dream, discover, and deliver—building stronger communities and a stronger nation. For me, this university represents the tenacity of steel, the wisdom of Sequoias, and the radiant promise of a new dawn.

In the past few months, I have witnessed the immense strength and spirit that defines UW-Oshkosh. The hard work, resilience, and sacrifice that have propelled the institution through recent challenges are nothing short of inspirational. You have all made tough decisions and paved the way forward with courage and unity. That path, marked by clarity and purpose, now points toward resurgence and renewal.

Today, I pledge to lead this institution with integrity, inclusivity, humility, and accountability. I will listen deeply, act collaboratively, and honor our shared governance model as we work toward a bold and unified vision for UWO. Together, we will elevate academic excellence, drive innovation, expand access, and empower more students to live lives of meaning, dignity, and prosperity.

Higher education stands at a crossroads, yet I see great opportunity in the emerging landscape. I hope you, too, are encouraged by today’s tentative state budget agreement, announced by Governor Evers, which indicates more state investment for the Universities of Wisconsin and, for UWO, a fully revitalized Polk Learning Commons. You can read Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman’s statement HERE. As we all monitor the budget’s resolution closely, I am confident that UWO is well-positioned to rise above challenges to come, expand its impact, and reclaim its momentum. We will do this strategically and together—with empathy, fairness, and focus. I will be guided by your aspirations, and I invite each of you to share your perspectives and walk with me as we scale new heights, united by our common mission: preparing conscientious leaders who will shape a better future.

Today marks an exciting new chapter in the life of UW Oshkosh: the birth of our new academic structure. This milestone is the result of your bold ideas, your courageous vision, and your steadfast dedication to our academic mission. You built it, and it is truly historic. I deeply admire the creativity and determination you have shown in shaping this foundation. I look to you—our faculty—as the stewards of knowledge and discovery, whose innovation will inspire new programs, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and open transformative pathways for our students.

To our staff colleagues: I must say that through your leadership, we will meet students where they are, speak to their aspirations, and guide them toward success—wherever their passions may lead. Together, we are building a university that not only adapts to change but helps define the future of higher education.

We will stay committed to ensuring that UWO remains a place where every student, faculty member, and staff colleague feels valued, supported, and inspired. Let us be the university that communities turn to for partnership, innovation, and leadership.

Tejinder and I are grateful to be here with you on this journey. I look forward to meeting many of you in the days ahead and to building a future worthy of our students and of the proud UWO legacy.

If we have not yet had the chance to meet, I look forward to doing so in the days and weeks ahead. And there’s no better time than now to begin. I warmly invite you to stop by the Office of the Chancellor tomorrow, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., for a brief open house. It would be a true pleasure to greet you, hear your thoughts, and begin our journey together in person.

The University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh is a remarkable institution and a powerful force for good. I am deeply honored to stand beside you in leading it forward.

With gratitude and commitment,

Manohar Singh
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

This post was originally shared by Chancellor Singh with UW-Oshkosh faculty and staff members in an email message on July 1, 2025.