Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee
When he steps down in July 2025, Mark Mone will have served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for 11 years, a longer tenure than any of his predecessors besides founding chancellor J. Martin Klotsche. Under Mone’s leadership, UWM was awarded and has since maintained its “R1” status from Carnegie, a designation given to institutions with the highest research activity. Mone was also founding chair of the Higher Education Regional Alliance, a partnership among southeastern Wisconsin’s colleges and economic development organizations, and a co-founder of M-cubed, an initiative to serve graduates of Milwaukee Public Schools and close the achievement gap.
Education: Bachelor’s, Central Washington University; MBA, Idaho State University; doctorate, Washington State University
What would you like to change about Wisconsin: “Creating a national model for bi-partisan collaboration across the deep divides we have in society. Being a role model for the country by focusing on the needs of citizens through economic development and prosperity policies.”
Favorite Wisconsin destination: “Door County.”
Historical figure you look up to: “Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. The world would be a very different place today if it hadn’t been for these two leaders. They were exactly what was needed in their time(s).”
Traits you seek for new hires: “Appetite for growth and learning; self-awareness and humility; sense of humor and work ethic.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Nonprofits and Education
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | Milwaukee
Mark Mone has led the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, the state’s second-largest university, since 2014. Under Mone’s leadership, UWM first attained and has maintained its “R1” designation, the highest research rating given by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. In 2018, two UW campuses – Waukesha and Washington County – were adopted by UWM as part of a system-wide consolidation. Today, UWM has 24,000 students across its three campuses and an operating budget of $674 million. A comprehensive, $251 million fundraising campaign has helped fund a host of campus construction projects during Mone’s tenure. Mone is a co-creator of the Higher Education Regional Alliance and co-founder of the M-cubed initiative with Milwaukee Public Schools and Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Education: Bachelor’s, Central Washington University; MBA, Idaho State University; doctorate, Washington State University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Washing dishes, busing tables and cooking taught me (1) hard work pays off; (2) serving others is gratifying; and (3) take care of your talent employees for success.”
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“Emotional Intelligence, especially self-awareness, humility, and empathy, will take you far. What I lack in intelligence, I hope to make up for in interpersonal skills and working to create high-performing, successful teams.”
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“Satya Nadella: a great humanitarian and highly successful technology and business leader. Herb Kohler: legendary visionary, with a passion for gracious living–seeing around corners and having huge impact.”
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Bryce and Zion national parks, Mallorca, Door County.”
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why?
“Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman. The concepts help everyone spiral upward and strengthen relationships.”
What’s your hobby/passion?
“Bicycling, swimming, walking, reading, cooking, woodworking, and spending time with family.”
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“Movida is a new favorite; small plates.”
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
“That I had 6 cars in high school and I rebuilt engines, painted them and enjoyed taking care of others’ cars.”
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“A 1966 Chevy Malibu–not long enough!”
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
“Ride across the USA, work on bridging gaps in society, and traveling more.”
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“Retaining talent in a challenging funding environment for public higher ed.”
What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Work hard, increase your education, get a mentor, and ask many questions.”
What has been your/your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months?
“Creating a positive environment for student success as we’ve come out of the pandemic.”
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“Lessening the partisan divide. This holds us back in PR and substantive matters: budget priorities, economic development policies, etc.”
As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
“Live for the day, if there is such a song. Surviving cancer makes every day precious–and I want to have all the positive impact I can.”
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“Education–especially for scholarships and needs to support students who would not be able to attend otherwise.”
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“Coming to Wisconsin and asking my wife to leave our positions in Washington state; it paid off!”
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“Riding across the USA on bicycle.”
What has you most excited about the future?
“Continued recovery from the pandemic.”
