James C. Schmidt
Advisory Committee
Dr. James C. Schmidt has served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since July 2013. Previously he was vice president for university advancement at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, and vice president for student affairs at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minnesota. He holds a doctorate in educational policy and administration from the University of Minnesota, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Winona State University.
In partnership with the UW-Eau Claire Foundation and a range of civic organizations, Dr. Schmidt is leading creative collaborations to benefit both the university and the community. A new research collaboration between UW-Eau Claire and Mayo Clinic Health System — the first of its kind in the Midwest — brings physicians, faculty and students together in service to regional and national health challenges. Other collaborations include a new arts complex, the Pablo Center at the Confluence, which opened in 2019 in downtown Eau Claire; a new event and sports complex that will also house a community health program with Mayo Clinic Health System; and innovative public-private solutions to student housing.
During Schmidt’s tenure at UW-Eau Claire, the university was named the top masters-level university for excellence in undergraduate research by the Council for Undergraduate Research in 2017. UW-Eau Claire also has continued to be ranked among the top 10 regional public universities in the Midwest by U.S. News — including ranking fourth in 2019.
Dr. Schmidt has more than 35 years of governmental relations experience and has been active in advocating on behalf of the university and the UW System for investment in higher education. He also serves on the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Presidents Committee on International Education and the NCAA Division III Presidents Council.
Credentials
Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire