The three finalists are Gail Hackett from Kansas City, UWM Interim Chancellor Mark Mone and William Sherman from Akron.
UW-Milwaukee is seeking a successor to Mike Lovell, who moved over to Marquette University.
Mone has been filling the post on a temporary basis.
Hackett serves as University of Missouri-Kansas City provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.
Sherman is University of Akron senior vice president, provost and chief operating officer.
The selection committee will recommend one candidate to the UW Board of Regents, after the three finalists take part in public forums with students, faculty and staff.