OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ) — The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has named Edwin Martini the next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Martini will begin work July 5, following the retirement of Provost John Koker who has held the post since October 2018.
“I am delighted that Dr. Edwin Martini will be joining UWO. He has the right mix of experiences and insights to move us forward as we fulfill the promise of UWO 2030, our new strategic plan. He comes in at a time of great change and possibility,” UWO Chancellor Andy Leavitt said.
Martini comes to UWO from Western Michigan University (WMU), where he currently provides leadership, vision and daily management as vice provost for teaching and learning.
As the new chief academic officer, he will be responsible for leading UW Oshkosh’s colleges, faculty, instructional staff and academic programs.
“I am thrilled to be joining an institution that is so well positioned to navigate the current landscape of higher education and to build on its strengths as an innovative, inclusive, researched-enhanced University committed to student success and to sustainability. There is tremendous opportunity at the University and throughout the region,” Martini said. “Across all of its campuses, units and programs, from Chancellor Leavitt on down, everyone I have met at UWO has demonstrated a willingness to come to the table ready to deal with the real challenges and great opportunities we face as an institution, and to continue to serve as the institution that our communities deserve.”
At Western Michigan, Martini manages a $9.6 million budget and oversees 45 full-time employees and 12 direct reports across 10 units/offices.
Martini’s research interests include the political, diplomatic and cultural aspects of 20th century U.S. history, the American war in Vietnam; and the history of American foreign relations. He has authored two monographs—Agent Orange: History, Science and the Politics of Uncertainty, and Invisible Enemies: The American War on Vietnam—as well as numerous chapters, articles, essays and scholarly presentations.
He earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in American studies from Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and a doctorate in American Studies from the University of Maryland.
