Thomas Rios named assistant chancellor for student affairs

April 27, 2009

Dr. Thomas Rios has been named UW-Whitewater Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs. He is expected to start June 15.

Rios, a Wisconsin native and graduate of UW-Eau Claire, is currently serving as associate vice president for Student Affairs and Services and director of the Office of Cultural and Academic Transitions at Michigan State University.

Rios replaces Barbara Jones who was named Vice President for Student Affairs at Miami University in Ohio. Stephen Summers has served as interim Assistant Chancellor for Student Affairs.

Rios began his own higher education career as a non-traditional student after working at factories in Milwaukee. "As a product of the UW System myself, I identify strongly with UW-Whitewater students and with the hopes and dreams they bring to campus," Rios said. "I feel very blessed to have this opportunity to join the UW-Whitewater campus community. I look forward to learning together and to amplifying each other's work to best serve the students."

"Dr. Rios is an excellent choice for this position," Chancellor Richard Telfer said. "He brings a rich and varied background to the Student Affairs division. I look forward to working closely with him to continue to improve the excellent services we provide to our students."

Dr. Telfer thanked Dr. Summers for his leadership during the academic year. "Dr. Summers kept Student Affairs moving forward on many initiatives. He is a strong advocate for UW-Whitewater students and ably served the division. He will play a vital role in aiding Dr. Rios' transition."

Rios earned his Ph.D. in higher education administration from Indiana State University and his master’s degree from the University of Arizona.