Good morning, colleagues. Here is the update from Academic Affairs. 

I am pleased to announce the launch of a transdisciplinary Cluster Hiring Initiative in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, with generous funding support from the Northwest Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI). This initiative aims to expand UWM’s research impact, strengthen community engagement, and generate trained AI and Data Science talent to meet the needs of local businesses and the broader community. New faculty hires will collaborate with NMDSI to drive impactful research, engage the community, and support Milwaukee’s growth as a hub for technology and innovation in the AI and Data Science space. The program provides up to $200,000 per faculty hire, including $50,000 ($25,000 from the Office of the Provost and $25,000 from NMDSI) per year for three years to supplement the salary of new faculty hires. In addition, start-up fund supplements of up to $50,000 per hire are expected to be provided by NMDSI. Through this initiative, we seek to recruit tenured faculty with a strong research record and a history of securing external research funding in applied AI and/or data science. Colleges interested in participating should submit proposals to the Office of the Provost at provost-office@uwm.edu by January 10, 2025. For additional information, please see this announcement and consult with your dean. Questions about this program can be directed to Vice Provost Bilen-Green (bilengre@uwm.edu).

I appreciate Carolyn Eichner (History), who was awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar Grant for January 1-August 31, 2025, in support of her research and writing a biography of 19th-century anarchist Louise Michel, orator, author, ethnographer, teacher, and leader in the Paris Commune.

I share my appreciation for Arijit Sen (Architecture and Urban Studies), who was presented the National Federation of State Humanities Councils’ 2024 Schwartz Prize for outstanding work in the public humanities, for his program, “Community Powered,”  a community resilience initiative that helps “communities recognize, communicate, and act upon their strengths, their challenges, and their histories to envision a vibrant future.” Dr. Sen created the program based on his years of community-building work with his Buildings-Landscapes-Cultures Field School at UWM.

Much appreciation for the 37 UWM employees who have made a difference in the lives of UWM international students and students who have pursued studying abroad. They were recognized at the Center for International Education’s third annual International Advocate Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, November 20. See the list of recipients.

Chancellor Mone shared a heartwarming video in his Thanksgiving message. Listen to alumni describe the long-lasting impact their professors and advisors had on them.

On December 4, a message was shared with the UWM campus community announcing the upcoming campus visits of four finalists for the Vice Provost for Research position. The candidates will participate in open forums on the following dates:

Details about the position, candidates, campus visit schedules, and open forums can be found on the VPR search website. Feedback surveys for each finalist will remain open until 4 p.m. on December 19. I encourage your participation and input in this important process.

It is with deep sadness that I share the news that H. Victoria Pryor, Student Services Program Manager and Center Lead at the Black Student Cultural Center, passed away on November 20. Victoria served UWM for more than 30 years in a wide range of roles and her impact is undeniable. Her work with Black students, faculty, and staff led to the creation of many novel programs and initiatives including the Panther Foundations for Success Program, a partnership with local corporations to prepare diverse students from UWM for positions in industry. Victoria’s many years of supporting students across the university has been acknowledged by various awards. She was also a longstanding member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was one of the chartering members of the Upsilon Mu Omega chapter. As a committed proponent of educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds, Victoria will be remembered by her colleagues, students, and sorority sisters as a woman of distinction and grace who touched the lives of thousands of students and colleagues. For that and much more, she will be deeply missed. Read the full announcement.

With appreciation,

Andrew P. Daire, PhD
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
2310 E. Hartford Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211