Thomas Gibson

Chancellor

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Thomas Gibson became the 15th chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) Jan. 11, 2021.

A mission driven leader, Dr. Gibson is focused on three key goals to achieve student success:

  • Ensuring academic excellence
  • Expanding Inclusive Excellence
  • Increasing enrollment and growth

He served as vice president for Student Affairs and vice provost at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, from 2016 to 2020. In that role, he advocated for the academic and social development of students, devised institutional policies, engaged in strategic planning, and led student success efforts.  He oversaw the Office of the Dean of Students, Greek life, residence life, diversity, equity and inclusion; student health, recreation and wellness; the women’s center, Title IX, and Clery Act reporting to mention a few.

Dr. Gibson also helped increase record student retention at Bowling Green State University and helped raise $8 million, in partnership with University Advancement.

He has held numerous positions to enhance student success and diversity in higher education. He was associate vice president of student affairs at Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. He held several roles at York College, City University of New York in New York City, including interim vice president for student development and associate dean for student development. He led academic support services at Queens College/CUNY and the University of Connecticut at Stamford.

Dr. Gibson has taught graduate courses in higher education, English and interdisciplinary programs at the undergraduate level.  He holds a tenured faculty appointment in the School of Education at UWSP.  His scholarship and research interests focuses on factors that supports student success.

He completed his bachelor’s degree in communication from Eastern Connecticut State University, his master’s in education from University of New Haven, Conn.; and his doctorate in educational leadership in higher education at Johnson & Wales University, Providence, Rhode Island.

Dr. Gibson grew up in New Haven, Conn., and enjoys reading, theatre, live music and traveling. He and his wife, Brigette Gibson have a daughter, Kennedy, age 4.