Dr. Louisa Rice named associate vice chancellor for academic affairs

Dr. Louisa Rice has been named permanent associate vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire after serving in the interim role since January 2022.

Rice, a professor of history who joined UW-Eau Claire in 2009, starts in the permanent position on Feb. 25.

During the interview process for the associate vice chancellor position, Rice “clearly articulated her unwavering commitment to fairness and equity,” says Dr. Michael Carney, interim provost.

“Throughout her UW-Eau Claire career, Dr. Rice has displayed the wonderful ability to work collaboratively, listen thoughtfully, speak frankly and think strategically to find equitable solutions to complex problems,” Carney says. “We’re thrilled that she will bring those skills to her role as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs.”

In her role as associate vice chancellor, Rice will support the office of the provost and academic units on personnel policies and procedures. Rice will supervise the UW-Eau Claire – Barron County faculty and instructional staff, oversee the LAUNCH program for first-year students, and serve as the liaison between the Universities of Wisconsin administration and UW-Eau Claire on academic affairs policies and practices.

Rice says she is honored and privileged to continue to serve UW-Eau Claire and academic affairs as associate vice chancellor.

“I am especially excited about the opportunity to engage in such a wide variety of work, both in support of faculty and staff at the Eau Claire and Barron County campuses and as part of collaborative initiatives that promote student access, learning and success,” Rice says.

In addition to her interim associate vice chancellor role, Rice has held administrative positions as chair of the history department and director of the First Year Experience program.

Rice earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, a master’s from UW-Milwaukee and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, all in history.