Soaring into a new year

Posted 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026

Chancellor James Beeby discussed UWL's strategic priorities and recent achievements during the opening address for the fall semester.

UWL enters 2026-27 with strong momentum, ambitious goals

UW-La Crosse remains well positioned to deliver on its mission of providing transformational education that improves lives, launches careers and strengthens communities across Wisconsin.

That was the message Chancellor James Beeby and other UWL leaders shared with the campus community Wednesday during the opening address for the fall semester.

Thanks to strong academics and student engagement opportunities, steady enrollment, enhanced facilities, and a dedicated team committed to student success, UWL continues to seize opportunities to enhance the student experience, respond to Wisconsin’s workforce demands, and expand its impact across the region and state.

“There’s a lot of challenges in higher ed. You read about them, you see them in the news. What I say is here at UWL, things are going fantastically well,” Beeby said, speaking to a gathering of faculty and staff in the Student Union. “You do great, great work every single day, and I want you to know that I see that. I walk around campus a lot, and I see the work that goes on every single day, and I really appreciate it. We can only be successful because of each and every one of you.”

Beeby discussed a handful of accomplishments and developments from recent months, including:

Advancing the UWL Forward strategic plan and advocating for increased state investment in higher education were among the priorities Beeby outlined for the year ahead.

UWL’s reaccreditation and favorable evaluation by the Higher Learning Commission
The 50th year of UWL’s highly regarded Physical Therapy program
The unveiling of a new, donor-supported “Eagle L” sculpture on campus
National championships won by UWL's men's and women's track and field teams at the NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships in May, hosted at UWL.

In an eventful summer, UWL also marked the passing of two members of the campus community: Andy Matchett, longtime faculty member in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, and Bob Hetzel, vice chancellor emeritus for Administration & Finance.

Beeby described Matchett as a valued educator who cared deeply about his students, and Hetzel as “a colossus of this campus” who advanced UWL through the relationships he formed and the visionary leadership he provided.

“As we begin a new academic year, we carry those people with us, who have helped to shape UWL,” he said.

UWL's Center for Advancing Teaching & Learning — recipient of the Academic Staff Program Excellence Award — were recognized along with other top award winners.

Beeby said the university will continue to implement its UWL Forward strategic plan in the new year, including:

Conducting market research that will assist the university in telling its story
Launching a Spotlight Event series designed to build campus and community connections
Adjusting compensation for eligible employees, improving wage equity and market competitiveness
Forming a task force that will lead UWL in navigating challenges and embracing opportunities related to AI
Implementing a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System to identify inefficienties and ultimately reduce UWL's environmental impact.

He also expressed strong support for the Universities of Wisconsin’s 2027-29 state budget request. These proposed investments seek to expand access to an affordable college education, bolster Wisconsin’s workforce and business community, and advance health education and research to improve health outcomes across the state.

“We know that public higher education is one of the best investments a state can make in its future, and we are absolutely committed to getting this budget approved by the state,” Beeby said. “I will do everything in my power ... to get this budget approved because it’s the right thing for Wisconsin, and it’s the right thing for our future.”

View clips of the address.

Other highlights

UWL is developing a new major in digital media and design, preparing students for career opportunities in this fast-growing field. The proposal is expected to go before the Board of Regents later this year.
Work continues on the second phase of the Prairie Springs Science Center. Demolition of Cowley Hall was completed this summer, and new construction will soon begin.
The Alumni & Friends Foundation this year reported over $19 million in donor investment, more than doubling the total of the previous year. That support is being passed on to students, with more than 1,300 receiving scholarships.
The newly combined Division of Access, Belonging & Student Engagement is leveraging its new alignment to strengthen services and support on campus. Efforts include research on campus climate and belonging, increased support for mental health and wellbeing, and the creation of an indigenous medicine garden in partnership with the Ho-Chunk Nation.

This year's Eagle Excellence Award winners, from left to right: Dipankar Mitra, John May, Aaron Koepke, Kevin Zabel, Denise Rueter, Victoria Calmes and Shauna Sallmen. (Jarred Pfeiffer not pictured.)

Award recipients

UWL also recognized its top award recipients for 2025-26. They are:

Campus Connection