Chancellor Watson to resume university leadership role

It was announced today(October 2nd) that Chancellor Dwight Watson will be resuming his role as UW-Whitewater Chancellor starting October 5th. His absents was a result of a complain filed back in September. The investigation found that the complaint was without merit.

Regent President Andrew S. Petersen released a statement saying:

“I am glad this thorough investigation has concluded and that the allegations made against Chancellor Watson were found to be without merit. We look forward to the Chancellor’s return in leading UW-Whitewater on Monday.”

Chancellor Watson also released a statement stating:

I am happy to announce that I will be resuming my role as Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Monday, October 5, 2020.  I want to thank my Cabinet for the tremendous work that they have done leading the institution in my absence.  Also, much appreciation to the campus and extended community for your outpouring of support during this time. I know this was a period of additional uncertainty in uncertain times.  I thank you for your patience, understanding, and your trust in the process.

I am returning from leave following the University of Wisconsin System’s investigation of certain allegations made against me.  I am pleased that the outcome of this extensive investigation concludes with the investigators’ findings that I was truthful during my hiring process with the University of Wisconsin and that there is no evidence of misconduct during my tenure at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.  I am also appreciative of the thoroughness of the investigation and the swiftness in which it was conducted.

The University of Wisconsin System has demonstrated that it takes any allegations regarding sexual misconduct seriously and will employ due diligence in investigating and resolving such complaints.  In this instance I went on administrative leave with pay while the General Counsel’s office investigated certain allegations including allegations previously investigated and disposed of as unfounded six years ago on a previous campus where I served.  As I expected, the allegations were investigated thoroughly by the University of Wisconsin System, with no findings of wrongdoing.

I am ready to return to lead the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and to address the challenges ahead.  I remain vigilant in supporting our processes involving sexual violence and sexual harassment for the betterment of our students. My focus now is on leading as Chancellor, I do not intend to issue any further public statements on this matter.