Andrew Leavitt, departing chancellor of the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh, is honored at the Universities of Wisconsin June Board of Regents meeting, held in Milwaukee on June 5, 2025. Leavitt, second from left, is pictured with Regent Ed Manydeeds at left, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and Regent President Amy Bogost.

Chancellor Leavitt delivered the following remarks Thursday, June 5 to the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents:

 

Thank you to Regent President Bogost and Universities President Rothman for the opportunity to address the Board of Regents today. 

It is with great pride, humility, (and a bit of relief?) that I bid you farewell as I conclude over 10 years of serving as Chancellor of my beloved University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. 

Of the time spent in higher education, no one would be prouder and more surprised than my parents, John and Shirley Leavitt, both of whom were college-educated. 

You see, I am a third-generation teacher.  

It all started when my grandfather, John Leavitt, was disabled as a teenager. Since he (at that time) was unable to contribute to the family business, he was sent to college.  

He studied to become a teacher and spent some of his time as an itinerant one-room schoolhouse teacher assigned to various small towns in 1930’s Colorado. As young children, my father and his sisters lived in the family’s canvas tent pitched next to many of these schoolhouses.  

The family read by the light of the campfire many of the great books that inspired all of the siblings to attend college. My dad attended the University of Colorado and then Harvard University, where he studied Physics. He served as a Professor of Physics at the University of Arizona for 35 years. 

Why am I sharing this with you? It’s to illustrate the powerful, multi-generational impact of education, particularly higher education.  

The word “generation” sounds like a long time to most of us. However, it’s truly lightspeed. My family’s journey progressed from a canvas tent in Colorado to a professor’s Physics lab in Arizona to a Chancellor’s office in Wisconsin in the blink of an eye. 

All my children are college educated. I hope my grandchildren will also be college educated. My grandfather’s disability and some chance played a role. But, make no mistake, education has been the catalyst—the inspiration—that brings me here today. 

It has been my privilege to spend my career serving in higher education, first as a professor and then as an administrator, culminating in the role of chancellor.  

In my mind, higher education is the greatest single elevator of human potential ever known. While it does not guarantee success for anyone who has gone before, it certainly increases the probability of a more fulfilling and prosperous life. Moreover, the benefits extend beyond the individual recipients; it serves as an engine of democracy. Therefore, it needs to be protected and expanded. 

I leave this office with nothing but gratitude. 

To that end, I would like to express gratitude to some folks who have helped UWO and me along the way. 

To the State Legislature: I’ve had the opportunity to work with many dedicated legislators on both sides of the aisle. When they join me on the platform during Commencement and see the thousands of graduates and families filling Kolf Sports Center, they too witness the generational impact my family has enjoyed. I know that many of their families are part of those storylines as well. I appreciate them all. 

To the Universities of Wisconsin: I have always felt supported by the Board of Regents and Universities staff. The work you do is now more important than ever. 

To the Regents, specifically, thank you for your voluntary service.  

I would like to thank a few Regents under whom I have served during my time. 

Regent Jerry Whitburn chaired the search committee that brought me here. He has been both an advisor and a friend, and I hope to continue engaging with him for many years to come. 

Regent Michael Grebe was immensely helpful during a lengthy and challenging issue early in my tenure as chancellor. His expertise, grace, and optimism were crucial in navigating a difficult situation. 

I want to thank Regents Ed Manydeeds and Karen Walsh for their unwavering support over the years. Their guidance, kindness, and understanding are greatly appreciated. 

And finally, Regent Ashok Rai: He has worked closely with me to navigate the fiscal challenges UWO has faced in recent years. As we gather today, nearing the end of the university’s 2025 Fiscal Year, UWO is set to finish in the black and has submitted a Fiscal Year 2026 budget that eliminates its structural deficit. I am grateful for Regent Rai’s care, guidance, and leadership. 

Over the years, I have also worked with outstanding vice presidents from the Universities of Wisconsin, including Jim Villa, Sean Nelson, Julie Gordon, Jeff Buhrandt, Chris Patton, Johannes Britz, and General Counsel Quinn Williams.  

Other leaders who have been exceptionally helpful include Jess Lathrop, Jack Jablonski, Lori Stortz, Alex Roe, and Jennifer Lattis.  

I want to thank President Ray Cross for his kindness and support as my first boss.  

I thank President Tommy Thompson for his leadership and his ability to secure resources that kept UWO and other institutions fully operational throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Finally, I thank President Jay Rothman for his exceptional leadership of the Universities of Wisconsin and his assistance in restoring UWO’s financial stability. I appreciate his advocacy for the universities to the citizens of Wisconsin and the State Legislature. President Rothman has been kind and supportive to me, and I am grateful for that. Thank you, Jay. 

I want to express my gratitude to the Chancellors for their friendship and camaraderie. I particularly enjoyed the competitive spirit showcased by the chancellors during our NCAA Division III Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchups. Go Titans! 

I wish you all the best as you continue to lead your institutions through opportunities and challenges.  

It has been my honor to work alongside remarkable individuals at UWO. I would like to express my gratitude to the students, faculty, and staff who have all tirelessly contributed over the years, consistently keeping a better UWO in mind.  

And I’m very excited to pass the baton to Dr. Manohar Singh, UWO’s 12th Chancellor, who will help take UWO to new heights.  

This is the hard part. I want to thank my wife, Karen… I don’t think I can read this. But just to say thank you for supporting me, and I’ll enjoy spending more time with you. Thank you all. I appreciate it very much.