UW-Superior names Cuzzo provost, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs
The University of Wisconsin-Superior has named Maria Stalzer Wyant Cuzzo its next provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. Cuzzo had been serving in an interim role since June 2019.
“It has been a deep honor to serve in the interim role for two-and-a-half years, and I am so excited that the process affirmed the good work we’ve all done together by selecting me as the permanent provost and vice chancellor of Academic Affairs,” said Cuzzo. “Success comes when people work together in effective partnerships and teams to achieve common institutional goals and I look forward to continuing to facilitate and encourage this kind of teamwork for a great future for UW-Superior.”
Cuzzo holds a J.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and is a tenured professor in the Department of Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity.
“I have had many advisors, guides and mentors along my 28-year career that made a real difference in my learning and skill development,” said Cuzzo. “I am very grateful that no leader ever walks alone in this work and I’m so mindful of all the people that were teachers and helpers to me to get to this point in my career.”
She served and continues to serve on the COVID response team as part of the Chancellor’s Staff and has been key in creating strategies for student and instructor success.
“Throughout her extensive career here at the university, Maria has proven to be a creative, engaged, people-centered, and dedicated leader and problem solver,” said UW-Superior Chancellor Renée Wachter. “She started in her interim role and was quickly tested by fire as the country was hit with COVID. She has been tireless and proactive in helping the instructor community and the campus navigate one of the most challenging times facing the university.”
In addition, Cuzzo has successfully led or co-led several campus strategic initiatives including the Forward Superior strategic plan, UW-Superior’s recent highly successful Higher Learning Commission visit, online programs expansion, the conception of the Center for Learning, Innovation and Collaboration, strengthening relationships and new programs with technical college partners and serving on the steering committee as the university explores public-private partnerships.
“The students are at the core of why I do this work and making sure UW-Superior is the best possible institution for our students must be the primary focus of what I do each day,” said Cuzzo. “I know this commitment is shared among the leadership and educators of the campus.”
“She is passionate about this campus, is a strong advocate at the UW System level and is highly respected by her peers,” said Wachter. “I am confident that she will continue to advance the campus.
