Published: September 27, 2024

Dr. Lynn D. Akey was officially inaugurated as the seventh Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Thursday, Sept. 26 during a ceremony in which she laid out a vision for Parkside focused on transforming education and expanding opportunities through partnership and collaboration.

"Today we celebrate the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. We are here to celebrate this incredible university's past, to look forward with a focus on its future, and to affirm its powerful mission," she said in her inaugural address.

Chancellor Akey also underscored the importance of strong relationships with local businesses and organizations. "We are shifting from being a provider of education to a true partner in education," she said, highlighting her commitment to preparing students for the future by aligning educational programs with regional workforce needs.

She emphasized the university's role in the community, stating, "Our goal is clear: to serve our region by providing transformative opportunities that students are seeking for their lives and careers. We have a distinctive, vibrant region to serve and a foundation of community engagement and partnership to support a forward focus on being that first-choice university in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor."

She also highlighted UW-Parkside's commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, recognizing that 35% of Parkside students receive Pell Grants and that 47% are the first in their families to attend college.

"Parkside is dedicated to making education accessible and transformative," she said. "We are part of the fabric of our community."

Chancellor Akey's journey to this moment was not only a personal milestone but also a family affair. Her son, Konner Akey, a senior at UW-Parkside, had the honor of introducing his mother. He praised her work ethic and dedication, qualities he has admired throughout his life. "She's the hardest working person I know, and the person I look up to every day," he said. "While I still don't know everything she does as chancellor, I'm sure of a few things: she's going to work hard, she's good at what she does, and she cares deeply about every student."

That sentiment was echoed by Universities of Wisconsin Regent Jim Kreuser, a proud alumnus of UW-Parkside and longtime public servant. "Chancellor Akey has an undeniable passion for higher education," Kreuser said during his remarks. "She understands the promise and the potential of a university experience to transform lives and expand opportunities."

Kreuser highlighted Akey's strategic focus on expanding accelerated completion programs, hands-on workplace experiences, and innovative credentials, calling it "a formula for success" that aligns perfectly with UW-Parkside's mission.

Dr. Christopher Hudspeth offered a welcome from the faculty, emphasizing the importance of Akey's leadership in setting the tone for the campus environment as the university moves forward. "One of the most important things a Chancellor can do is to set the tenor and the tone of our work environment," he said. "I saw how she engaged with members of the Campus Community. I saw how she listened. I saw how she took the opportunity to learn."

Regent President Amy Bogost conducted the formal investiture, bestowing Akey with the Chancellor's Medallion. She expressed confidence in Akey's ability to guide UW-Parkside into a future of growth and transformation, wishing her a productive and impactful tenure.

Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman concluded the ceremony with words of excitement and optimism. "With Chancellor Akey at the helm, this university is positioned to continue to do great things," Rothman said. "UW-Parkside and the people who make it what it is are responding to the most complex and urgent challenges facing Wisconsin and the world, changing lives every day. This university, headed by Chancellor Akey, understands its noble purpose. I have no doubt that, under Chancellor Akey's leadership, the best is yet to come for UW-Parkside."

View the full photo gallery hereWatch Chancellor Akey's Inauguration Ceremony