“The University of Wisconsin System should be the state’s premier developer of advanced human potential, of the jobs that employ that potential and of the communities that sustain it.”
– UW System President Kevin Reilly

University of Wisconsin System President Kevin Reilly presented to the Board of Regents on Feb. 9 what he called his “‘thinking big’ odyssey.”

“The University of Wisconsin System should be the state’s premier developer of advanced human potential, of the jobs that employ that potential and of the communities that sustain it,” he said in his mission statement.

This idea has created the motivation to begin many programs that are improving the UW System and jump-started planning for programs that will improve the system in the future, he said.

The components of Reilly’s vision include inspiration by the students and faculty that surround him; aspiration to fill schools, hospitals and the marketplace with UW-educated graduates; and, above all, a vision making the dream a reality.

Expanding research at UWM

The UW System, Reilly said in his speech, plans to aid UWM in expanding its research capacity and graduate program. This will happen in conjunction with local private businesses and institutions, and the foundation will be used in revitalizing the greater Milwaukee economy. This is also the endeavor that UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago has had since his own installation in 2004.

“Building UWM’s research infrastructure is absolutely essential,” Santiago said on his Web site. “This must be done to the benefit of the region and the state. It is very important … that we continue to maintain the high-value end of production processes.”

In addition to adding at least three more programs for doctoral studies, UWM recently launched the Biomedical Technology Alliance, which functions to increase biomedical research in southeastern Wisconsin while encouraging economic progress. The alliance is comprised of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Marquette University, UW-Parkside and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Reilly said expanding the research capacity at UWM as well as other campus-specific endeavors are extremely important components of the improvement of the UW System.

“Each idea and opportunity coming forward from each institution … reflects the wisdom of a system that can empower campuses to find — and mine — their own market niche,” he said.

System-wide improvements

Three UW campuses — UW-Marathon County, UW-Marshfield/Wood County and UW-Stevens Point — are collaborating on a project called the Central Wisconsin Connection to help students earn four-year degrees while enrolled at two-year colleges.

UW-Platteville’s tri-state engineering initiative is attracting prospective students from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Reilly said that the UW System intends to assist UW-Madison in expanding and reaching into the future of the biomedical and biopharmaceutical field, aid UW-LaCrosse’s “tuition-driven” growth plan, and foster UW-Stout’s emergence as “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic.”

Also on the list of improvements to the UW System are realizing new means of increased retention and graduation rates at UW-Parkside and enlarging the student body at UW-Green Bay and other campuses.

To complete his vision, Reilly is depending on the support of the state government and the desire to maintain a high-quality public university system.

“Vision without action will not change anything,” he said. “We intend to have … a thriving 21st century knowledge economy, and a high quality of 21st century life here.”

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