Campus Connection: Will UW-Extension, UW Colleges lose chancellor?

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buy this photo Will David Wilson, chancellor of UW-Extension and UW Colleges, leave to become president of Morgan State? Mike DeVries

David Wilson, who is chancellor of both the University of Wisconsin-Extension and UW Colleges, announced Tuesday afternoon he is one of three finalists being considered for president of Morgan State University in Baltimore.

During an interview for an article I wrote about Wilson in October, I asked the chancellor if he knew what his future held.

"People approach me all the time about opportunities," he said during an Oct. 5 interview. "But I'm happy and love what I do. I often say to colleagues that I haven't had a bad day since I've been here."

He added during that same interview: "I am happy and don't want to speculate on anything else but today. Today is a good day and I expect tomorrow will be a great day."

On the one hand, Wilson seemed sincere when talking about his love of working in Wisconsin. But due to his remarkable background, resume and skills, it's likely only a matter of time until Wilson moves on to bigger and better things. Is that time quickly approaching? Stay tuned.

Wilson made his announcement about being a finalist for the Morgan State post in an e-mail to UW-Extension and UW Colleges employees on Tuesday. In that message Wilson wrote: "As many of you know, I thoroughly enjoy my work with UW-Extension, UW Colleges, UW System and my life in Wisconsin. Thus, I did not seek this position. Morgan State University, which is a public urban university and one of four doctoral research institutions in the State of Maryland, initiated the contact with me when its Board Vice Chair flew to Wisconsin to meet with me in person. After a lengthy dialogue, I agreed to continue this conversation with them."

He added: "Please know that I remain committed to the work of our institutions, and to the daily impact we have on thousands of citizens in Wisconsin. I will keep you informed as these talks proceed."

Wilson, who was not available for comment, has been chancellor of UW Colleges, the state's 13 two-year campuses, and UW-Extension since 2006.

According to this press release, Morgan State University plans to name its new president no later than Dec. 15.

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