Dear UWM students, faculty and staff,
We are writing to thank you — particularly students — for sharing your thoughts on the proposed student center changes through the recent design/input sessions, the meeting with Chancellor Gibson and through other channels. We are carefully considering campus and community feedback and have two updates.
Organizationally, the multicultural student centers will become part of the Division of Student Affairs as of July 1, 2026, as we shared in late January. This shift will provide greater collaboration, shared goals and broad-based student support to enhance student success. As part of that move, Student Affairs created a new assistant vice chancellor position to oversee the student centers. That recruitment took place in February and March and included open forums on campus.
We are pleased to announce Alberto Maldonado as UWM’s assistant vice chancellor for connection and achievement. Alberto has served as director of the Roberto Hernández Center since 2018 and special assistant to the vice chancellor for community empowerment and institutional inclusivity for multicultural student success since 2022.
His work at UWM has been deeply rooted in collaboration with communities and school districts across southeastern Wisconsin, building strong partnerships with students and their families. Alberto has led the development of programs and initiatives designed to support college access, informed course selection and successful degree completion.
These experiences have prepared him to lead the student centers with enhanced coordination, a commitment to best practices and a focus on improving retention and graduation.
Alberto begins his new position on April 6.
Again, thank you for your valuable participation in this process, and we look forward to sharing more information soon.
Sincerely,
Kelly Haag
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Chia Youyee Vang
Vice Chancellor for Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity
