Chancellor Robert Brinkmann began his role as the 16th chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on July 1, 2026.
Brinkmann has a background in natural sciences and sustainability, with research interests in sustainability, Karst and surface geology and hydrology. He is the author or editor of numerous books and peer-reviewed publications, including major works on sustainability science and practice. His research integrates natural and social systems, offering practical solutions to complex environmental challenges and advancing public understanding of sustainability.
He has built a distinguished record of leadership at complex institutions. Brinkmann previously was dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Northern Illinois University, where he was also a professor in the Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment since 2020. He was vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies/director of sustainability studies at Hofstra University, a private university on Long Island, New York. Brinkmann has also served in administrative roles at the University of South Florida, where he was also a faculty member. In these roles, he managed significant budget and research portfolios, championed new academic program development, strengthened student access and success initiatives and led strategic efforts in institutional planning, fundraising and community engagement. His collaborative leadership style emphasized interdisciplinary approaches, faculty development and organizational effectiveness.
Chancellor Brinkmann’s leadership is grounded in a belief that higher education transforms lives and strengthens communities. He is committed to advancing academic excellence, student success, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement that empowers UWSP students and strengthens the university’s impact beyond the region.
He holds a Ph.D. in geography and an M.S. in geology from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and a B.S. in geology from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. His appointment as chancellor marks a return to Wisconsin, where his academic journey began.
Brinkmann and his husband, Mario, reside in Stevens Point with Mario’s mother, Elis, and their two dogs, Cairo and Luxor.
Q and A with Chancellor Brinkmann
- You’ve shared that returning to Wisconsin has been very meaningful. Where did you grow up and how did that influence you?
I grew up in two rural areas. I graduated from Waterford High School in Racine County and my family had a cabin and hunting land in Marinette County in northern Wisconsin where we spent most weekends and summers. I feel as if my time on farms, woods and on lakes and rivers gave me a deep appreciation for the environment which led directly to my love of geology, geography and environmental science. - How did your education within the Universities of Wisconsin prepare you for your professional roles, including being a UW chancellor?
I remember distinctly my first semester at UW-Oshkosh. I realized that the world was open to me and that my opportunities were endless. Coming from a rather rural background, I didn’t really understand all of the things available to me as a college student. The Wisconsin educational system is one of the best in the world and I really leaned into what was available to me. I took a wide variety of courses, joined every club I could, and attended special lectures and performances. I came to understand that these opportunities didn’t just happen. There were people behind the scenes that worked hard to provide the best experiences for students. Since that realization, I have always worked hard to ensure that students always come first in every decision I make. - When applying for the role of chancellor, what appealed to you most about UWSP?
There is so much I love about this university so this will be hard to keep brief. First of all, I have always loved central Wisconsin—there are so many outdoor activities available here and the region is beautiful with amazing wildlife. But the university’s long commitment to a range of programs in conservation and environmental sciences, its commitment to community engagement, the long history of support for wellness and the passion of the faculty all resonated with me. Plus, the university is doing many innovative things with new types of programs, student spaces, and athletic opportunities. It’s an exciting time to be here. - What do you hope to accomplish within your first year here?
First of all, I want to listen and get to know folks. I have already met many faculty, staff and students and they have shared their thoughts about the university and what we should all be working toward. I look forward to meeting many more. Based on these conversations, I am hoping we can collectively articulate a vision for what our shared goals will be in the coming years as we close out the current strategic plan. - Your research has centered on sustainability, which fits well with our priorities at UWSP. What can UWSP do to broaden its sustainability focus and goals?
Sustainability is all about making decisions now to make measurable improvements on current activities so that we lessen our footprint on the planet in the future. UWSP has done so much work in this area. However, we all need to continue to push ourselves to try to live more sustainable lives and enhance the sustainability of our campus and community. I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to continue our sustainability work. I always say that if you change yourself, you change the world. It all starts with small decisions and everyone on campus should have a sustainability lens on when thinking about big and small decisions we all make every day. - How do you hope to engage with students, faculty and staff to ensure their voices are heard?
I am a strong advocate of faculty, staff and student shared governance. We all share the same goal of providing outstanding and meaningful experiences for students. I have been so impressed that this campus has been working together to advance our shared goals in environment of kindness and openness. UWSP has built a community that cares for each and every person who works or studies on our three campuses. The strong shared governance systems in place at UWSP is a major reason for the spirit of positivity. - As universities see changes in population demographics, how should UWSP grow enrollment and keep students engaged until they graduate?
This is a complex question and one that leaders all over the United States are thinking about right now. First of all, we need to continue to offer programs that students want to take. We need to build on our successes and look at new areas for growth. In addition, we need to look at how we can attract new populations to campus—whether they are adult learners, international students or dual credit students. In addition, we need to make sure that we work diligently to keep the students we enroll by providing outstanding support. - What are your favorite pastimes when you are not working? Any new favorite spots or activities in the Stevens Point area?
I love hiking and walking my whippets, Cairo and Luxor, on the trails in the area. There are so many great parks and recreational areas throughout the region. As to favorite spots, I have to say that I have been exploring the diner scene. You probably heard that I lived in the New York City area on Long Island for many years. Long Island is definitely known for its great diners and I loved going to lunch at different ones around the city. Here in Stevens Point, I have been impressed by the number of Mom-and-Pop diners and you can often find me out to lunch at one of them. - Who were your mentors or leaders who inspired you?
There are so many people over the years who helped me along the way—professors, mentors, friends and family. I hate to mention any one of them for fear of leaving one out. However, one of my great mentors, Lynne Goldstein, recently passed away and I really miss her. There have been so many times over the last few months that I wanted to call her for advice. She was an accomplished field archaeologist who moved into university administration. She was always there for me and was one of the kindest and toughest people I ever knew. Our shared love for fieldwork really united us as we explored different administrative paths. - Our campus and community have a great “Town-Gown” relationship. How do you plan to grow engagement with local leaders, businesses and organizations?
I have already met with many of the local elected officials and have been buoyed by their support and their support of the university. Many are alums and they love our university. In addition, I have experience in economic development from my time at Hofstra University and look forward to advancing the economic vision of our region in partnership with organizations in our area. - What message do you have for alumni and donors about the future of UWSP?
My message is this: We are all grateful for all that you do for our university. Thank you! Our alumni and donors support student scholarships, athletes, faculty projects, campus facilities and so much more. We are all so thankful to have so many people who have our backs. I will do all that I can do to make this university as successful as it can be and we need the help of our alumni and community members to achieve our shared goals. I know that our future is bright given the level of support we have seen in recent years. - What advice do you have for students, as well as their parents, as they start their academic journey at UWSP this fall?
For the students, I would say: Take advantage of all that we provide at UWSP. Enjoy your time here. Everyone is doing all that they can to ensure your success. This is a time to explore ideas. Join clubs, play sports or find new things to do in the community. If you need help, ask. We are all here for you. To the parents, I would say: Please know that everyone here on campus is working to ensure that your child can succeed. This is a time of growth. There will be challenges ahead, but I urge you to stay in contact and provide love and support through the years. - Where have you traveled? Where would you recommend the most and why?
I have traveled to many countries in South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and Asia. I think the two countries I recommend the most are Indonesia and Malaysia. They both have fascinating histories and are quite diverse culturally and geographically. Plus, Indonesia is one of the most geologically active areas on the planet. - Do you have a favorite genre/author/book?
I read everything! If you ever catch me in a spare moment, I am likely reading a newspaper, a book or listening to a podcast. Because I read so much, I don’t have a particular genre I prefer. I read fiction and nonfiction, but the last book I read was “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline. I loved all the 80’s videogame and tech references. - What three items would you bring, outside of your family and pets, to a deserted island?
I would bring a big book to read, maybe “Les Miserables” by Victor Hugo. I read it recently in English, but if I were on a desert island I would love to have time to tackle it in the original French. I would also bring a tool chest. I am pretty handy and I would probably get some sort of shelter and a boat built pretty quickly. Finally, I would bring several waterproof field notebooks and waterproof pens. My time training and working as a field geologist would come in handy. I would explore the resources and map the island and the ocean currents. I’d be quite busy with all three of these activities!
