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MORRIS - Dr. Rodney Hanley has been named the next chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Morris. Hanley's appointment is effective July 1, 2016, pending approval by the Board of Regents at their May 13 meeting.

Hanley comes to Morris from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, one of the nation's top Historically Black Colleges and Universities, where he is provost and vice president for academic affairs. In that role, Hanley designed Fisk's five-year strategic plan, developed new majors in biochemistry and molecular biology, and oversaw the dramatic increase of retention of first-year students. He also directed Fisk's major expansion on global initiatives, and was instrumental in advancing Fisk's fundraising and grant efforts.

"Dr. Hanley's energy, passion, dedication, and proven senior executive leadership experience will undoubtedly continue to build on Morris's momentum and upward trajectory," said University of Minnesota President Eric W. Kaler. "Morris is and will continue to be a national leader in the liberal arts, campus diversity and sustainability, and plays a distinctive role in our University system."

Hanley earned his Ph.D. in biology from the University of Kansas, his master of studies in sustainability leadership from the University of Cambridge in England, and his M.S. and B.S. in environmental biology from Eastern Illinois University.

Prior to his leadership at Fisk, Hanley was provost and academic vice president at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada; dean of science at the University of Winnipeg, and chair of the Department of Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota.

"It's an honor and privilege to be selected as the next chancellor of the University of Minnesota, Morris," said Hanley. "I've long admired Morris's commitment to diversity, sustainability, and the liberal arts. My family and I are excited to return to an area for which we have deep roots and for which we have great love."

Hanley also has held research positions at the University of Kansas and Washington State University. Before entering academia, Hanley served as Sergeant and Squad Leader, 233rd Military Police Company, Illinois Army National Guard and U.S. Army.

Hanley will be the sixth chancellor of the Morris campus and succeeds Jacqueline R. Johnson, who is retiring in June after ten years as Morris's chancellor.