Biography
Dr. Joe Gow is the tenth chancellor of UW-L, having come here from Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln, NE) where he most recently served as Interim President. He also served as Provost and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since 2004. Prior to that, Chancellor Gow was the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Winona State University from 2001-2004, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., from 1996-2001, and the Director of the Communication Studies Program at Alfred University from 1990-2001. While at Alfred University he was a three time recipient of the Alfred University Excellence in Teaching Award.
Chancellor Gow earned his doctorate in speech communication and his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Pennsylvania State University, and his master’s degree in speech communication from the University of Alabama. He also completed the Management Development Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
In his administrative career, Chancellor Gow has consistently furthered liberal arts and professional academic programs to enhance student success. He brings experience from both public and private colleges in strategic planning, enrollment management, external relations, and fund raising. Dr. Gow also has led efforts to redesign curricula, worked with faculty on shared governance matters, and is committed to ensuring inclusive and diverse campus communities.
Chancellor Gow has served as the President of the National Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences and as a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Popular Music and Society. He has authored a number of publications on popular music and news media, and he is a guitarist and blues singer. The chancellor also is a vegan and runner.