The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) has named Jacob Baggott as executive director of its University Health Services, effective May 1.
Under this new role, Baggott will lead the establishment of university policies and programs that protect and promote the health of everyone in the Madison campus community.
Badger said he sees the position as a great leadership opportunity in what he thinks is one of the best programs in the country.
“There’s opportunity to be innovative and think outside the box and do something uniquely Wisconsin that might set standards and raise the bar for the profession as well,” he said.
Currently the assistant vice president for student health and well-being at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Baggott was one of three finalists for the role but struck out due to his experience and national leadership, a press release by vice chancellor for student affairs Lori Reesor said.
“His commitment to students, campus public health, and diversity and inclusion will serve UW-Madison well,” Reesor said.
Baggott has more than 30 years of experience and has previously served as the president of both the American College Health Association and the Mid-America College Health Association, according to The Badger Herald.
UW spokesperson Meredith McGlone noted that Baggott’s experience correlates with the institution’s goal for creating a more inclusive and diverse campus climate.
“Jake also has a track record of fostering inclusion in health care at his previous universities and comes to UW-Madison with experience at the diverse institution,” McGlone said.
After graduating high school in Illinois, Baggott served two years of active duty in the U.S. Army, and then 19 years in the Signal Corps of the Army National Guard, where he retired as first sergeant.
A first-generation college student, Baggott earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics business management from Southern Illinois University and a master’s degree in health law and policy from the Southern Illinois University School of Law.
