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UW Oshkosh chancellor frames DEI as mission-driven and outlines fellowship approach to support underprivileged students
Summary
Chancellor Singh of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh spoke to the city DEI committee about the university’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion, arguing for expansive definitions of underprivilege, describing fellowships over one‑time scholarships, and urging dialogue to reduce defensive reactions to DEI work.
Chancellor Singh of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh told the City of Oshkosh Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee on Sept. 22 that universities face intense public scrutiny over diversity, equity and inclusion work and that UW Oshkosh plans to emphasize programs that combine financial support with professional development.
“Perception is reality, unfortunately,” Chancellor Singh said, describing how public perceptions about DEI can diverge from institutional intent. He added, “equity and equality are not the same thing,” as he explained that the university seeks to address historic disadvantages through programs that build capacity and pride, not only through scholarships.
Singh described a preference for what he called fellowship models — for example, a Chancellor’s Fellow position — that provide mentoring, professional development and a named role alongside financial aid. He told committee members those fellowships help recipients gain work experience and dignity alongside monetary support.
Singh also urged broadening DEI work to target overlapping forms of disadvantage — such as economic need, first‑generation status, rural isolation and limited internet access — saying that focusing on economic underprivilege can reach many groups who are underserved. “If you cover Pell‑eligible and first‑generation students and those from rural areas, you cover many who would be described as underrepresented,” he said.
Committee members asked about sustaining DEI work amid political scrutiny. In response, Singh recommended focusing on programs with clear, measurable benefits and connecting with community partners. He also shared personal reflections about resilience and belonging drawn from his experience as a religious minority and from encounters he described while meeting community members in Wisconsin.
Discussion versus formal action: the session was a conversation and allowed for audience questions; the committee did not take formal action, adopt policy, or allocate funds in response to the presentation.
Background and context: Singh emphasized that DEI work is being debated nationally and that the university’s approach is to invest in programs that combine financial support with mentoring and professional development. He spoke about the importance of dialogue to reduce defensiveness and recommended framing programs to address overlapping needs rather than single identity categories.
For follow-up: committee members and staff encouraged continued engagement between UW Oshkosh and the city’s DEI efforts; no commitments of city action or money were made during the meeting.
