UW-Stout Appoints Ramakrishnan as Provost and Vice Chancellor

New academic leader brings extensive experience to Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The University of Wisconsin-Stout has announced the appointment of Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan as its new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. Ramakrishnan, who has held various academic and administrative roles at other universities, will be responsible for advancing UW-Stout's strategic priorities and fostering new academic initiatives as part of the institution's polytechnic identity.

Why it matters

The provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs is a critical leadership position that oversees all academic programs, faculty, and student success initiatives at UW-Stout, Wisconsin's Polytechnic University. Ramakrishnan's appointment comes as the university looks to build on its polytechnic mission and enhance its reputation as a premier institution for applied learning and research.

The details

Ramakrishnan brings extensive experience to the role, having served as a professor, chairperson, program director, dean, and associate provost at other universities. During her tenure, she has secured over $9 million in external grants, including from the National Science Foundation, to support student scholarships, improve student success, and enhance research infrastructure. At her previous institution, she also established the college's first external advisory board and led the development of the institution's first strategic plan.

  • Ramakrishnan will assume her new role at UW-Stout on March 1, 2026.
  • Glendalí Rodríguez, the current provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, will return to the faculty within the Operations and Management Department.

The players

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan

The new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Ramakrishnan has held various academic and administrative roles at other universities, including securing over $9 million in external grants.

Glendalí Rodríguez

The current provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, who will be returning to the faculty within the Operations and Management Department.

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What they’re saying

“I am excited to join UW-Stout and contribute to its vibrant polytechnic identity. 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.”

— Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan (uwstout.edu)

What’s next

Ramakrishnan will begin her new role at UW-Stout on March 1, 2026, where she will work to advance the university's strategic priorities and foster new academic initiatives in line with its polytechnic mission.

The takeaway

The appointment of Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan as the new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Stout represents a significant investment in the institution's polytechnic identity and its commitment to providing students with a high-quality, applied learning experience. Ramakrishnan's extensive experience in securing external funding and leading academic initiatives will be crucial as UW-Stout continues to enhance its reputation as a premier institution for STEM education and research.