John Zumbrunnen has been named the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin announced Monday.
The provost is the university’s chief academic officer and second-ranking official, supporting its teaching, research and outreach mission.
Zumbrunnen has served as interim provost since June 2025 following Charles Isbell Jr.’s departure to become chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign.
“John Zumbrunnen is an exceptional academic leader and has earned broad trust from our students, faculty and staff through his thoughtful engagement on a wide range of complex issues and for his strong commitments to the Wisconsin Idea, shared governance, student success and excellence in research and teaching,” Mnookin said in a statement.
Zumbrunnen has held a variety of academic and administrative leadership positions during his nearly 18-year tenure. Prior to serving as interim provost, he was senior vice provost for academic affairs. Before that, he was vice provost for teaching and learning, overseeing and helping to found the Division for Teaching and Learning. Earlier, Zumbrunnen held the role of chair of the political science department.
Zumbrunnen was selected from three finalists for the position after a national search.
“I am incredibly honored to serve as provost of this amazing university,” Zumbrunnen said in a statement. “Even after nearly two decades on campus, I continue to learn about and to stand in awe of all that UW–Madison is and does.”
