UW-Oshkosh is undergoing multiple changes at the administrative level, welcoming a new chief financial officer in February, as well as a new director of communications and interim vice chancellor for enrollment management.
Mohinder Dugal stepped into his role as the school’s next chief financial officer Feb. 9, which marked the conclusion of a national search according to UWO Chancellor Manohar Singh.
“He (Dugal) brings a combination of financial expertise, strategic planning experience and familiarity with the academic enterprise,” Singh said. “His professional background spans global finance and higher education, with a focus on budgeting, planning and institutional analysis.”
Most recently, Dugal helped develop a strategic plan for his former employer, Western Connecticut State University called “Western Rising” as a senior advisor to the provost.
Dugal graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Ph.D. in strategic management.
“Dugal understands that effective financial leadership in higher education is grounded not only in sound fiscal management but also in supporting academic priorities, student success and institutional sustainability,” Singh said. “He will work closely with our interim vice chancellor for administration and chief operating officer, as well as campus administration and shared governance leadership, to advance the strategic, operational, and fiscal priorities of UW-Oshkosh.”
Singh said that the decision goes hand-in-hand with the UWO Infinite strategic plan, and is another step towards being prepared to launch the plan with momentum and sustaining a financially sound, mission driven growth strategy for the university.
Other changes within the school’s administration have taken place in the communications department and its enrollment management domain.
Andy Anaam joins UWO as the director of communications officially April 9, and brings over a decade of experience as the City of Appleton’s communication director.
“Given Andy’s expertise, and the trust and respect she has built across our local communities, my team and I are confident that she will capably meet the university’s evolving needs and help ensure continuity in this critical area of communication and community engagement,” Singh said.
Anaam replaces Alexander Hummel, who served as UWO’s executive director of university relations and communications and is now transitioning into the role of director of advancement for the Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh.
Amber Evans, the associate vice chancellor for enrollment management and marketing at UWO is also leaving the university after three years in her role. Julie Edstrom will take her place as the interim vice chancellor for enrollment management.
Edstrom brings more than 20 years of experience within enrollment management, having served in her soon-to-be role at three different universities, most recently at Southern Connecticut State University.
Singh said in the announcement that this was an emergency hire due to enrollment being among the university’s most important priorities as they prepare for the roll out of their strategic plan.
Edstrom is expected to serve in her position for two years while a national search is conducted in the third year.
Both Anaam and Edstrom are to be a part of the school’s Executive Council as well.
“These leadership updates reflect our continued focus on strengthening institutional leadership and aligning the Executive Council with the priorities that will guide UW-Oshkosh forward,” Singh said. “As we enter the final phase of strategic plan formulation and prepare to lay a strong foundation for the implementation phase beginning next semester, these organizational changes position us well to pursue our institutional aspirations with clarity, coordination, and effectiveness.”
