On February 2, 2026, Lewis Sheats became the inaugural associate vice chancellor and executive director of the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub, a new campuswide initiative designed to transform how UW-Madison supports innovators and launches ventures. He is an entrepreneur, connector, and optimist who believes that big ideas deserve the chance to become something real. Lewis brings a “founder-first” mindset shaped by many years of helping students & faculty turn ideas into impact.
Over three months into the role, Lewis is beginning to feel at home in Madison and getting to know the campus, the city, and the people who make UW–Madison so connected. To help students and the campus community get to know him better, we sat down with Lewis for a fun and informal Q&A about his early impressions, favorite discoveries, and memorable first months in Wisconsin.
Q1. You have been on the job since February 2. What is the most “Welcome to Wisconsin” moment you have experienced so far?
Sarcastically, it’s got to be the 13 inches of snow we had on March 16, right after I thought spring had arrived. Embracing winter has been the most Wisconsin thing so far. But I am an optimist! None of my friends back home in North Carolina got that much snow so it felt pretty unique.
Q2. What is your early verdict on Madison: more of a coffee town, a beer town, or a “why choose?” town?
I love both… coffee in the morning and beer in the afternoon. There are some amazing coffee shops like Wonderstate Coffee – Madison Café and breweries such as Karben4 and Working Draft. It is the best of both worlds.
Q3. If you were to name your first few months on campus after a movie title, what would it be and why?
I would say Moneyball meets Fargo. Moneyball because I am figuring out all the pieces and how they fit together, and Fargo because well…. there was a blizzard happening at the same time.
Q4. What campus landmark have you gotten lost near the most so far?
I have gotten lost in Bascom a couple of times. But I am actually more confused when I go to Grainger Hall. I have ended up in the wrong places more often than not.
Q5. If you could adopt one official Madison pastime to make your own —farmers’ markets, lakes, bike trails, or cheering on the Badgers —what is calling your
name?
I am going with the lakes. I have not experienced them unfrozen yet, but walking out on a frozen lake was incredible and something I had never done before. I know just by the view that it will be beautiful in spring and summer. I am an outdoorsy person already, so the trails and the lakes are calling my name.
Q6. What’s one thing about the UW–Madison campus or culture that surprised you — in a good way?
How connected everything is, both within campus and with the city. You can walk everywhere and the University blends right into downtown. I think that is very special.
Q7. You have been in America’s Dairyland for over three months. What is your favorite cheese?
I will keep it simple– cheddar. With cheddar, you have always got to go sharp.
Q8. Which winter essential have you discovered is absolutely mandatory: a warm hat, good boots, car scraper, or emotional resilience?
The emotional resilience has got to be up there, but I think I didn’t appreciate the need for good boots until I moved here.
Q9. If the Wisconsin Entrepreneurship Hub had a mascot based on your first impressions, what would it be?
A “Builder Badger.” I picture a Badger digging pathways and building connections. Founders are able to build and move their ideas forward and turn them into impact.
Q10. What is one local restaurant or spot you have tried already that made you think, ‘Yep, I could get used to this’?
Pizza Bruta is a favorite; I am a big pizza guy. I have also enjoyed Village Bar. It is small, but the burgers are great and the atmosphere is awesome.
Q11. Every new job comes with memorable moments. What is the funniest or most unexpected thing that has happened during your couple of weeks here?
I had to call in sick on my third day, which is never ideal. I ended up with a fever and was out the entire day. Not the best timing, but memorable. On a positive note, my first morning is very memorable. I was impressed with how many people showed up to welcome me. It reassured me I landed in the right place.
As Lewis continues to settle into life in Madison, he is looking forward to warmer days on the lakes, exploring the city, and building meaningful connections across campus. We are excited to watch him bring a new model for campus entrepreneurship to life, helping students, faculty, and staff foster innovation and carry out the Wisconsin Idea.
If you see Lewis around campus, be sure to say hello or maybe point him in the right direction if he is in Grainger Hall!
Categories: