University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Will Inaugurate Chancellor
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will install Dr. Thomas Gibson as its 10th chancellor on September 25, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People

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Dr. Thomas Gibson will be formally inaugurated as the 10th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee on September 25, 2026. The ceremony, themed 'Always Dream Bigger', will take place at the Zelazo Center.
Why it matters
The ceremony serves as a major milestone for the institution, which is currently marking its 70th anniversary. This event allows the new leadership to articulate a vision for the university's future.
Dr. Thomas Gibson serves as the 10th chancellor of the university, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary. The formal inauguration event is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.
The players
Dr. Thomas Gibson
He is the incoming 10th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Peggy Williams-Smith
She is the designated emcee for the inauguration ceremony.
The details
The event at the Zelazo Center will feature a formal academic procession and a program of performances and remarks from students and campus leaders. Peggy Williams-Smith is slated to serve as the emcee for the proceedings.
Timeline
The inauguration ceremony for Dr. Thomas Gibson is set for September 25, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition occurs as the university marks its 70th anniversary, a period often utilized for setting long-term strategic goals. The appointment signals a pivot in the institution's administrative direction for the coming decade.
Members of the Milwaukee community and the university public can attend the 11 a.m. ceremony at the Zelazo Center to hear the new chancellor’s vision. Residents should be prepared for potential campus activity surrounding the formal proceedings.
The takeaway
The inauguration provides a platform for the new leadership to signal institutional priorities for the upcoming years. Attendees can expect a formal program centered around the university's 70-year history and future growth.
Further reading
For more on campus leadership and administration, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Madison365.
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