Two influential leaders from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh will leave the institution later this summer for their next endeavor.
Franca Barricelli, associate dean and history professor in the College of Letters and Science, will leave her position for a new role as dean of Arts and Sciences at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. Barricelli will begin her new role Sept. 1.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Lane Earns will retire Aug. 30 from UW Oshkosh and relocate to Massachusetts with his spouse—a move that will take the couple to Barricelli’s home state.
Barricelli came to UW Oshkosh in 1994. In addition to teaching European history courses in the department of history, she also frequently taught students abroad in Rome, Florence and at Cambridge University. Barricelli served as department chair from 2002 until 2007 prior to serving as associate dean.
Barricelli’s many successful University and College activities and accomplishments include, but are not limited to, her leadership in developing and implementing the Global Citizenship/Scholar Program, her membership on the University Studies Program planning leadership team and subsequent implementation team, and her participation in the development of the current UW Oshkosh strategic plan. She also led and organized all sessions related to the Bayeux Tapestry exhibit, featured at UW Oshkosh in spring 2016, and has been active in cultural outreach in the greater Oshkosh community.
“She has touched the lives of faculty, staff and students across our campus. I truly extend my sincerest thanks and utmost appreciation to Franca for her dedicated service to the College of Letters of Science and the entire University during her years on our campus,” said College of Letters and Science Dean John Koker. “It has been a joy for me to work closely with such a talented, vibrant and committed individual for the last 10 years. Simply stated, she has made me better at what I do.”
Earns will depart from UW Oshkosh after 30 years of service to the institution, UW System and the state. He has a distinguished record in administrative service as well as in teaching and research in the area of Japanese history.
“UW Oshkosh is a stronger institution for Lane’s contributions. He has provided calm and steady support through years of University growth and change,” Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said. “Lane has always put the best interests and the long-term prosperity of the UW Oshkosh community first, and it has personally been a pleasure and a privilege to serve with him.”
Administratively, Earns led the division of Academic Affairs as Provost for 13 years and also served two years as associate vice chancellor in the same division. His leadership was especially influential in the development of UW Oshkosh nationally acclaimed general education program, the University Studies Program.
Beyond UW Oshkosh, Earns served as interim chancellor from 2008 to 2009 at UW-Parkside, where he led that campus through its first-ever strategic plan, before leading UW Oshkosh’s own strategic planning process last year.
At UW System, Earns was among the earliest and most steadfast advocates for liberal education through Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) and other national initiatives. He also currently chairs the System’s International Advisory Committee.
In the community, Earns has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Paine Art Center and Gardens, the Board of Directors of Ascension/Affinity Health System and the Board of Curators of the Wisconsin Historical Society.
An interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs will soon be named. A national search will follow.