LA CROSSE, Wis. — James Beeby, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Keene State College in New Hampshire, has been named the new chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

What You Need To Know

  • The Universities of Wisconsin board of regents unanimously voted and approved Beeby’s appointment on Wednesday

  • Beeby had previously served as dean of the college of liberal arts at the University of Southern India. He also spent time as a professor and chair in the department of history at Middle Tennessee State University

  • Beeby is the college's 11th leader, and is replacing Joe Grow, who was fired from the position in Dec. 2023

  • Beeby will assume the leadership post on July 1. Besty Morgan is currently serving as interim chancellor

The Universities of Wisconsin board of regents unanimously voted and approved Beeby’s appointment on Wednesday. Beeby is the college's 11th leader, and is replacing Joe Grow, who was fired from the position in Dec. 2023.

Beeby had previously served as dean of the college of liberal arts at the University of Southern India. He also spent time as a professor and chair in the department of history at Middle Tennessee State University.

“Dr. Beeby’s extensive experience will be a great asset to UW-La Crosse,” said Universities of Wisconsin president Jay Rothman in a press release. “He has a proven record in student success and collaboration that will be extraordinarily valuable for the entire campus and its community.”

Beeby was recommended by Rothman and the special regent committee to the board of regents.

“I am very excited to join UW-La Crosse,” Beeby said in a press release. “I am drawn to this opportunity because of the university’s public mission and fine reputation. During my visit to this beautiful campus, I was impressed with the dedication of the faculty and staff to student success and transforming lives through excellent academic programs. I was also pleased to see the strong relationship with the city and local community, and I look forward to strengthening those ties as UW-La Crosse continues to serve the needs of the region and the state.”

Beeby will assume the leadership post on July 1. Besty Morgan is currently serving as interim chancellor.

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