Keene State Provost named chancellor of UW-La Crosse

James Beeby, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Keene State College in New Hampshire, has been named chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

The University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents unanimously approved Beeby’s appointment. He will begin his position on July 1, replacing Joe Gow.

Gow was fired in December after it was discovered he and his wife, Carmen Wilson, made and distributed pornographic videos online. 

At Keene State, Beeby developed several new undergraduate and graduate programs and partnered with students, faculty, and staff to improve retention and graduation rates.

He also built transfer pathways with community colleges, established strong ties with local businesses, and oversaw successful reaccreditation efforts.

“Dr. Beeby’s extensive experience will be a great asset to UW-La Crosse,” Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman said in a statement. “He has a proven record in student success and collaboration that will be extraordinarily valuable for the entire campus and its community.”

Beeby said he was drawn to UW-La Crosse because of the school’s public mission and reputation.

“During my visit to this beautiful campus, I was impressed with the dedication of the faculty and staff to student success and transforming lives through excellent academic programs,” Beeby said in a statement. “I was also pleased to see the strong relationship with the city and local community, and I look forward to strengthening those ties as UW-La Crosse continues to serve the needs of the region and the state.”

Previously, Beeby served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Southern Indiana. He also spent time as a professor and chair in the Department of History at Middle Tennessee State University.

Since Gow’s dismissal, Provost Betsy Morgan has served as interim chancellor.

Gow is on paid administrative leave. He was paid $262,719 a year as chancellor. He is earning a $91,915 faculty salary.

Rothman has filed a complaint regarding Gow’s status as a tenured faculty member. An outside law firm is investigating.