UWL Chancellor finalist Beeby meets La Crosse community on campus

A university can have a large impact on its community, not just on students.

That message comes from Dr. James Beeby, one of three finalists to become the full-time chancellor at UW-La Crosse. Beeby spoke about a college’s mission during a forum on Monday, as the first of three finalists to appear before an audience on the local campus.

“The university educates students and transforms their lives, and transforms communities that they’re in,” said Beeby, who is now a vice-president at Keene State College in New Hampshire. “Think of what La Crosse would be like without this university. Think of all the amazing things that you’re doing every single day.”

Originally from Wales, Beeby has lived in the U.S. for 30 years, and he promotes respect and understanding of others. “My world view is that everybody should be respected, we should be compassionate and kind, we should be intellectually alive, and want differences of opinion,” said Beeby.

A second finalist, Christopher Olsen from Indiana State University, will speak at a forum on Tuesday, followed on Wednesday by interim chancellor Betsy Morgan, who has led UWL since the dismissal of Joe Gow in December. All of the forums are being held at the Cleary Alumni Center.