Office of the Chancellor

Manohar Singh, Ph.D.

Dr. Manohar Singh serves as 12th Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, bringing to the role a distinguished career as a scholar, educator, and senior academic leader deeply committed to the mission of public higher education.

Dr. Singh’s professional journey reflects a steadfast belief that universities are among society’s most enduring and transformative institutions—engines of opportunity, discovery, and community well-being. His leadership philosophy is grounded in shared governance, inclusive excellence, and principled stewardship, emphasizing collaboration, trust, and long-term institutional vitality.

Prior to his appointment at UW–Oshkosh, Dr. Singh served as Interim President of Western Connecticut State University, where he provided steady leadership during a period of institutional transition. As president, he guided strategic planning, strengthened fiscal and enrollment stability, advanced academic innovation, and reinforced a culture of transparency and engagement. His tenure was marked by renewed momentum, the launch of a comprehensive strategic plan, expansion of graduate and professional offerings, and strengthened relationships with civic, business, and philanthropic partners.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Singh served as Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Southern Connecticut State University, where he led significant growth in graduate education, expanded access for adult and professional learners, and supported the development of new, market-responsive academic programs. He previously held deanships and senior leadership roles at public universities, where he advanced interdisciplinary programs, fostered community-engaged learning, and strengthened pathways linking education to workforce and societal needs.

An American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow, Dr. Singh brings a broad, national perspective on higher education leadership shaped by diverse institutional experiences and global engagement. As a scholar, he has contributed to the fields of finance, economics, and corporate governance, and his academic work reflects a deep commitment to analytical rigor and applied impact. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, a master’s degree in economics from the University of Waterloo, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics from Punjab University in India.

A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Singh is a passionate advocate for accessible, affordable, and high-quality public education. His leadership is informed by a global outlook and a personal understanding of education’s power to transform lives, families, and communities.

As Chancellor, Dr. Singh envisions leading UW-Oshkosh to build on its storied legacy and strong foundation while scaling new heights of academic eminence and societal impact. He is committed to advancing program innovation, strengthening enrollment through expanded graduate and international education, and deepening academic, corporate, and community partnerships. He sees UWO as a core and anchor institution—one that catalyzes community prosperity, advances discovery, and prepares the next generation of leaders who can make a meaningful positive impact on communities and contribute to building a strong nation.

Dr. Singh and his wife, Tejinder, share a deep commitment to family, education, and service. They are proud parents to Amitoj and Simran, both pursuing advanced academic paths. Outside of his professional life, Dr. Singh enjoys golf, motorcycling, music, creative design, and spending time outdoors with their Goldendoodle, Cooper.