RIVER FALLS, Wis. — Maria Gallo, the chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, announced Thursday she will retire after three years in the role. Her last day as chancellor will be Sept. 6, 2024. 

Subsequently, Jay Rothman, president of the Universities of Wisconsin, named Michael V. Martin as interim chancellor of UW-River Falls, effective Sept. 7, 2024.

“Mike Martin has extensive experience as a higher education leader and has come highly recommended by Chancellor Gallo,” Rothman said. “I am delighted he has agreed to lead the university until we find a permanent chancellor.” 

Martin has held many leadership roles in higher education, including resident of New Mexico State University, chancellor of Louisiana State University, chancellor of Colorado State University, and most recently president of Florida Gulf Coast University. Among his many other positions, he has taught at UW-Eau Claire.

“My interests and familiarity with UW-River Falls make this an exciting opportunity,” Martin said. “I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students and the greater River Falls community. Comprehensive universities like UW-River Falls are the lifeblood of communities and serve as a foundation for economic prosperity.”

Gallo, who started at UW-River Falls in 2021, will introduce Martin to the university community and area partners between now and her final day on campus.

Gallo plans to move to Florida with her partner. They plan to spend more time with family — their mothers are 89- and 90-years-old. While she said she is looking forward to traveling, writing and volunteering, she said she is proud of the accomplishments and work the university has done since 2021.

“My plan since arriving at UW-River Falls always has been to culminate my 30+ year career in higher education with the fulfilling experience of being your chancellor. Over the past weeks and months, I have thought a great deal about you and our students, as well as the important, long-term work that lies ahead for the university. It became clear that the timing was right for me, my family, and the campus, to make this change now…” she wrote in-part in a letter to the campus community announcing her retirement.

”Being your chancellor has meant a great deal to me. I have appreciated dialoguing and exchanging ideas with you since I joined campus as well as educating the public about our university’s enormous value to the city of River Falls, the region, and Wisconsin,” she added.

Read Gallo’s full letter, here.

“Chancellor Gallo has kept UW-River Falls focused on future growth and sustainability even while navigating challenging financial times,” Rothman said. “She championed the new Science and Technology Innovation Center currently under construction, which is sure to attract new students and faculty. We are grateful for her leadership and service to the university.” 

Rothman said a search committee will find a permanent UW-River Falls chancellor. The committee has yet to be named.