UW-Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King, along with fellow administrators, faculty and staff members, officially kicked off the 2025-26 academic year during the Chancellor’s Opening Celebration Tuesday, August 26 in the James R. Connor University Center Hamilton Room. 

King, who is entering his third academic year at the helm of the university, held the event as an opportunity “to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our faculty, our staff and our students, to share meaningful updates, achievements, opportunities to kick off another academic year, and engaging in conversations with key stakeholders from across our campus community.”

After introductory comments from Jeff Angileri, executive director of University Marketing and Communications, and an opening number from the university’s Chamber Singers, King made an electric entrance, running up and down aisles with his arms flailing to the song “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.

“The good thing is, when we were rehearsing this, I said I’ve gotta give myself a moment to breathe,” King said jokingly. 

Honoring and celebrating leaders across both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses took up a significant chunk of the gathering, welcoming back some administrators and introducing new ones from the Chancellor’s Cabinet, the six chancellor’s committees, and governance leaders. 

King and Angileri also recognized university award winners, including Angileri, who received the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for Service. The P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ People was also introduced during the celebration. Formerly a Universities of Wisconsin award, the UW system is stepping away from regents and system awards. 

UW-W is the first school to grant the award at a campus level. 

“[Poorman] guided system-wide campus climate research and paved the way for critical programs of the support, advocacy and change across the state of Wisconsin,” Angileri said. “We want to ensure that this award continues to be honored here at UW-Whitewater.”

King also pointed out the completion of several university initiatives throughout his time as chancellor. In terms of academics, a first-year body of over 3,000 students is the largest incoming cohort since 2016, with nearly 12,000 students enrolled overall.

New academic goals for the school include an enrollment minimum of 13,000 total students, 800 students at the Rock County campus and an 82% overall student retention rate by fall 2028.

“A target that reflects our continued efforts to grow responsibly and strategically,” King said.

Financially, the university achieved its goal of having no structural budget deficit and a financial surplus, a goal achieved two years ahead of schedule. In return, the school will make strategic campus investments in classroom technology, undergraduate research, dual enrollment and general technology enhancements.

“To be clear, every dollar we spend is an investment, each one supporting our institutional infrastructure and alignment with our mission and core values,” King said. 

Furthermore, King introduced the official campaign video for “Our Stories. Our Future.” The university’s largest fundraising effort in school history, the goal is to raise at least $50 million to help shape the future of the university. The school also received $256 million in additional funding, allowing raises for faculty members and minor construction projects on campus buildings.

“This ambitious initiative…will drive the transformational impact in student scholarships, program funding, faculty and staff excellence, and capital improvements,” King said.

At the conclusion of the updates segment, University Center employees transformed the stage into a living room for King and Angileri to have community conversations about new and revised initiatives.

Beginning with artificial intelligence, the new AI Advisory Committee discussed how the university is adapting to a rise in AI usage. While the university supports its use, the greater focus is on how they can ensure that it is being used ethically across campus.

The number of situations that AI can be used in – different courses, departments and organizations – makes it difficult to monitor academic integrity. Instead, training will be provided for students and faculty to help them learn about what truly enhances student success.

“By adhering to training and transparency, that folks have the tools that they need to make good choices surrounding AI, we can maintain the high standards of academic regard that come to be expected here at UW-Whitewater,” said Dana Wagner, assistant director of learning technology and AI Advisory Committee co-leader.

King emphasized that while institutions take on this rise in technology, ones that embrace the transformation “with integrity, intention and courage will shape the future, rather than have the future shaped by it.”

Rock County campus leaders also took the stage to highlight some improvements in their nursing and education programs, including an extended partnership with Mercyhealth. The health care company is donating $500,000 to the university to help grow the program.

Warhawk One Stop leaders discussed their impacts on students following the Rock County discussion. Statistics shared by Emma Draper, assistant director of Campus Tutorial Services, showed that around 20% of students used One Stop services in 2024, and those who saw a Success Coach saw a 0.9% increase in their GPA from the fall to spring semesters.

“The One Stop concept is really an opportunity to support students with resources that they’re going to need, whether they’re in their first year or last semester of their education,” said Kristin Fillhouer, vice chancellor for student affairs. “It’s really designed to foster their success and pave the way for their future, currently and after they graduate.”

The final community conversation included students giving testimonies to their time at UW-W. From great academic programs to cultivating relationships throughout the community, the university’s hospitality draws students back.

More student testimonials followed in a nearly 7-minute closing video promoting Warhawk Bold, showcasing accomplishments across the university from the past academic year, highlighting opportunities for students to get involved on campus and embodying why UW-Whitewater is the place to be.

“We will embrace innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and we will do it together, as we inspire, engage and transform lives,” King said.