President John Walz, Ph.D. has appointed Dr. Daniel J. Bergen to the newly created position of senior advisor to the president at Milwaukee School of Engineering. Bergen joins the MSOE leadership team and will work closely with Walz to lead the development and implementation of new strategic initiatives to help the university achieve its vision. He also will ensure the university maintains a constant focus on innovation and strategic thinking for the future.  

“Our vision at MSOE is to set the standard for preparing leaders to solve the diverse technical challenges of the 21st century,” said Walz. “Dan is an established leader in higher education. I am thrilled to have him join MSOE and help implement the many initiatives in our strategic plan, identify new opportunities to advance our institution, and continue building our relationships with corporate, community and educational partners.”  

Bergen most recently served as the executive director of community engagement within Marquette University’s Office of Economic Engagement. There, he worked with senior leaders across campus and the Milwaukee region to develop and implement strategic initiatives around community and corporate engagement. Bergen’s experience also includes serving as interim assistant vice president of student affairs and assistant director for university apartments and off-campus student services at Marquette. 

“MSOE has a long and distinguished history of providing students with a rigorous, world-class experiential education. I am honored to join President Walz, the leadership team, and the MSOE community in supporting and advancing this proud tradition,” said Bergen.  

Bergen holds a Ph.D. in English-British Literature from Marquette University, an M.A. in English-Cultural Studies from Kansas State University, and a B.A. in Journalism-Advertising from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He is a member of the Milwaukee Rotary Club, Milwaukee Forum, Milwaukee Repertory Theater Impact Board, Milwaukee Succeeds and MKE United, and is a juror for the Milwaukee Awards for Neighborhood Development Initiatives (MANDIs).