Menomonie, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Stout has announced that a new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin on Aug. 1.
Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, currently special assistant to the provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, will advance strategic priorities and foster academic initiatives that reflect UW-Stout’s status as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramakrishnan to UW-Stout. She brings the background, ideas, and experience that will help advance UW-Stout’s distinct polytechnic identity and support student success,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank, who announced the appointment this week.
Ramakrishnan will come to UW-Stout with considerable academic and administrative experience, having served as a professor, chairperson, program director, dean and associate provost (interim). During her tenure at St. Cloud State University and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, she secured or contributed significantly to securing more than $9 million in external grants, including several National Science Foundation grants, which provided scholarships in STEM, improved student success, and enhanced research infrastructure. At Commonwealth University, she established the college’s first external advisory board and empowered faculty to lead the development of the first college strategic plan.
“I am excited to join UW-Stout and contribute to its vibrant polytechnic identity,” Ramakrishnan said. “I am inspired by the ‘Do More on Day One’ spirit, and I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to lead Academic Affairs. Together, we will advance academic excellence in alignment with our core polytechnic tenets to better serve our students.”
During her interview process at UW-Stout, Ramakrishnan demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and excitement to lead the Academic Affairs unit in advancing UW-Stout’s polytechnic mission. Ramakrishnan holds a Ph.D. in physical polymer chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science; a M.S. in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; and a B.S. in chemistry from the Sri Sarada College for Women. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow and a Research
Associate at Cornell University from 2000 to 2006, including a year as Epilepsy Foundation and Milken Family Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow.
Glendalí Rodríguez, who has served as UW-Stout’s provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs since 2019, will return to the faculty within the Operations and Management Department.
The Provost’s Office oversees the Division of Academic Affairs, which includes:
- Career Services
- Center for Applied Ethics
- College of Arts & Human Sciences
- College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management
- Educational Pathways & Outreach
- Graduate Studies
- Honors College
- Menards Center for the Study of Institutions & Innovation
- Multi-Modal Instructional Supports
- Office of International Education
- Office of Research & Sponsored Programs
- Robert S. Swanson Library & Learning Center
UW-Stout, a member of the Universities of Wisconsin, is Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University, with a focus on applied learning, collaboration with business and industry, and career outcomes. Learn more via the FOCUS2030 strategic plan.
