Gilmer named new dean of students at UW-River Falls

Previous work includes numerous initiatives to support students

Dec. 4, 2023 - The University of Wisconsin-River Falls has named Michael Gilmer as its new dean of students, a position that university officials have cited as key in supporting students and helping them find success.

Gilmer will begin his new job at UW-River Falls on Jan. 9, 2024. He currently works as director of student conduct and academic integrity at the University of Central Florida, the largest university in Florida, where he oversees the university’s disciplinary process. 

Gilmer will replace Alicia Reinke-Tuthill, who was named interim dean of students for this fall semester. Reinke-Tuthill replaced Katie Jackson, who was dean of students from summer 2022 until July 28. 

Previously, Gilmer worked at multiple private and public universities, where he supervised student housing, facilities and student care services and led numerous strategic campus initiatives. In each of his previous higher education workplaces, Gilmer said he prioritized student success and helping students graduate.    

“I have worked in higher education for almost 20 years because I believe in the transformative impact of higher education,” Gilmer said. “After learning about the UW-River Falls community and the scope of the dean of students position, I believed this would be a position where I could support students and add to their overall experience.”

Gilmer said he is attracted to UW-River Falls because the university’s strategic plan, its core values, its culture and Chancellor Maria Gallo’s vision for the university resonated with him. His ideas related to student success appear to be a good fit with how UW-River Falls officials envision enhancing student supports, he said. 

“As I learned more, I was excited to see the vast potential at UW-River Falls,” Gilmer said. “The university is strategically positioned to help students excel through a variety of efforts.”

Gilmer possesses an extensive background working with and supporting students, skills that will serve UW-River Falls well, said Laura King, vice chancellor for student affairs and strategic enrollment. The dean of students “is a critical position” that highlights students’ concerns, mobilizes campus resources, and brings groups together to support student success, she said. 

“Dr. Gilmer brings with him an extensive background in working with and supporting students,” King said. “He will be a great addition to Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment, UW-River Falls, and the greater River Falls community.”

Gilmer earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Central Florida, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of South Florida, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Valdosta State University, and a certificate in alternative dispute resolution from St. Edward's University.

Among Gilmer’s first goals at UW-River Falls is reaching out to faculty, staff and the River Falls community to understand what works well and challenges to work on. His aim as dean of students is to find ways to link students with resources available to them, especially in times of crisis, Gilmer said. 

“I'm looking forward to talking with the faculty and staff to hear their ideas and find new ways to support their mission,” he said.