Chancellor’s Scholars program seeks new director

A committee of 12 faculty and staff members will assist in finding a new leader for the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Chancellor’s Scholars and Powers-Knapp Scholars Program.

Mercile Lee, retiring as assistant vice provost for academic affairs, founded the scholarship programs in 1984 and has served as director since that time.

“For nearly 30 years, Mercile has tirelessly dedicated herself to student success and the growth of this valuable program,” says Provost Paul M. DeLuca, Jr. “We are thankful for her many years of service, and we are excited to continue this tradition with the help of a new director.”

The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program is a privately funded and highly selective merit-based program for undergraduates pursuing any major at UW–Madison. In order to increase educational opportunities for academically talented students, scholars who consistently meet program expectations receive a full tuition scholarship and a $400 book stipend each semester. More than half of the program’s graduates pursue graduate or professional degrees, with many going on to become leaders in business, education, medicine, engineering and other professions.

Douglass Henderson, professor of engineering physics, will chair the committee. The full committee includes the following faculty, staff and community members:

• Marion Brown, vice president of development, UW Foundation
• Jim Buske, senior student services coordinator, Division of Enrollment Management
• Betty Chewning, professor, School of Pharmacy
• Jim Escalante, professor of art and associate dean, School of Education
• Miguel Gamez, physician, Dean Health Care (former Chancellor’s Scholar)
• Nike Loomis, entrepreneur (former Chancellor’s Scholar and mentor)

• Binnu Palta Hill, director of diversity and climate, School of Business
• Ruby Paredes, assistant vice chancellor, Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement
• Andre Phillips, senior associate director of recruitment and outreach, Office of Admissions and Recruitment
• Arthur Polans, professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, School of Medicine & Public Health
• Gary Sandefur, professor of sociology and dean, College of Letters & sciences