John Zumbrunnen

John Zumbrunnen began serving as UW–Madison’s interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs in June 2025. During his time at UW, Zumbrunnen has held a variety of academic and administrative leadership positions. Most recently, he served as senior vice provost for academic affairs and vice provost for teaching and learning, overseeing and helping to found the Division for Teaching and Learning.

Zumbrunnen is a professor of political science. He studies the history of political thought, democratic theory, and American political thought with a particular interest in the challenges and possibilities of democratic citizenship. He has published two books, along with articles in top journals including American Political Science Review and Political Theory.

Zumbrunnen has long been passionate about teaching and about students’ educational journeys. He previously served as an Educational Innovation Senior Fellow and as faculty director of Chadbourne Residential College. He is a recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the Phi Beta Kappa Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award, among others.