University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is a public urban research university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As the largest university in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and one of the two doctorate-granting research universities within the University of Wisconsin System, UWM is dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for students. UWM’s mission is to serve as a top-tier research university and an access institution. The university aims to attract students who demonstrate the potential for intellectual development, innovation, and leadership. UWM's vision is to provide a supportive environment where innovation and creativity thrive.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

UWM aims to enhance student success in retention, graduation, and student life, both during and after their time at UWM. The university focuses on strengthening research capabilities and impact by aligning campus resources to support high-impact research and cultural production areas. UWM reinforces community and alumni engagement through research partnerships and strengthens relationships with the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and other government organizations. Improving campus climate and culture while strengthening the talent foundation, fostering creativity, and diverse perspectives within an inclusive environment for all faculty, staff, and students are key objectives. Elevating UWM's visibility as an engaged research university is also crucial.

Specialization Areas

UWM is focused on fostering corporate research partnerships, leveraging intellectual property expertise, and igniting UWM startups.

Target Markets

UWM serves a diverse student body in the Milwaukee area. The university is committed to both academic excellence and community engagement and aims to provide accessible and affordable education.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

UWM contributes $1.5 billion per year to the Wisconsin economy, supporting over 14,000 Wisconsin jobs and generating over $85 million in state and local taxes. The university's spending, along with that of its employees, students, and visitors, totals approximately $713 million annually and results in more than 29,000 jobs. UWM's 2014-15 operating budget was $698 million, including $255 million in federal aid, grants, and contracts. Research comprised $62 million ($19.7 million state funded) of the total budget.

In fiscal year 2022, the UWM Foundation distributed a record $21 million to the university in support of student success, research excellence, and community engagement. In that same year, Joan Nesbitt became the Vice Chancellor for Advancement and raised over $34 million for UWM. UWM Foundation's net assets declined to $200 million in 2022. The University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee will spend $369.5 million to build a replacement academic and research STEM facility and complete renovations in the Engineering Mathematics & Science (EMS) building.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

UWM offers a diverse range of academic programs and research opportunities. These include undergraduate and graduate degrees across various disciplines, research centers focused on areas such as water technology and power electronics, and community engagement initiatives.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

UWM is a major contributor in areas such as neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease, immunology, aging, community and public health, and biomedical engineering. The university has a Digital Humanities Lab in the Golda Meir Library, designed as an interdisciplinary, collaborative space for exploring digital humanities and facilitating new research questions using digital data.

UWM's technological platforms include:

• Water Equipment and Policy Center (WEP)

• Center for GRid-Connected Advanced Power Electronic Systems (GRAPES)

• Center for Concrete Advancement Network (CAN)

• Laboratory for Flow & Transport Studies in Porous Media

• Power Electronics Research Laboratory and the Power Energy Lab

• Structural Engineering Laboratory

• Wind Tunnel Research Laboratory

UWM is working to create new facilities to support student life, research, academics and regional economic development and provide new sources of revenue from research commercialization and entrepreneurial activities.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Thomas Gibson: Chancellor of UW-Milwaukee since July 2025. Previously, he served as chancellor of UW-Stevens Point from 2021 to 2025.
Andrew Daire: Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, serving as UWM's chief academic officer overseeing all academic operations.
Robin Van Harpen: Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Affairs and Chief Business Officer, responsible for UWM's finances and overseeing administrative units.
Sue Weslow: Chief of Staff to Chancellor Thomas Gibson, serves as an advisor, oversees initiatives involving UWM’s strategic priorities, and manages effective communication, coordination, and implementation of university-wide projects.
Kay Eilers: Associate Vice Chancellor, Division Head, Division of Strategic Enrollment Management & Student Success.

Recent Leadership Changes

Mark Mone stepped down as Chancellor of UW-Milwaukee effective July 1, 2025, and transitioned to a teaching role at the university's business school. He had served as chancellor since 2014.
* Thomas Gibson was appointed as the 10th leader and new chancellor of UW-Milwaukee, since July of 2025.

6. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

UWM's competitors include:

• Marquette University

• Milwaukee Area Technical College

• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Caliber

• United Guaranty

• MGIC

• Rocket Companies

• Synchrony Financial

• Fannie Mae

7. Market Analysis

Market Overview

UWM plays a vital role in the Milwaukee area, with a diverse student body and unique programs. The university faces challenges, including declining undergraduate enrollment, lower retention rates, and financial instability. However, it has foundational assets to shift its fiscal trajectory, including an academic portfolio aligned to the regional workforce, a strong location, and a robust portfolio of graduate and online programs.

8. Strategic Partnerships

UWM has established partnerships with various organizations, including companies, community groups, academic institutions, government agencies, and trade associations. These partnerships aim to strengthen UWM's market position, innovation capacity, and capabilities.

Examples of strategic collaborations and partnerships include:

• M-cubed partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Area Technical College

• Partnerships with the state's technical colleges

• Microsoft

• Rockwell

• Eaton

• Northwestern Mutual

• Connected Systems Institute (CSI) strategic partnership

• Milwaukee Anchor Collaborative (MAC)

9. Operational Insights

UWM has a unique tripartite mission focused on access, research, and community service and engagement. The university is making strategic choices and achieving greater efficiencies through intentional fund allocations. A key to UWM's future is its R1 designation, which allows it to attract top students and faculty. UWM is planning to eliminate its structural deficit.

10. Future Outlook

Strategic Roadmap

UWM's strategic roadmap includes:

• Becoming a more student-centric university

• Revising the curriculum

• Increasing inclusion and diversity

• Expanding educational access to all students

• Supporting faculty research endeavors, innovations, and discoveries

• Growing the proportion of charitable giving designated for endowment

• Expanding opportunities for and engagement with professional development

• Growing overall enrollment

UWM aims to fulfill its dual mission as a research and access institution by continuing its crucial role in enhancing and improving the quality of life for everyone in southeastern Wisconsin.