Ray Cross

How Higher Ed Institutions Are Shrinking

It's a stunning trend: Four-year and two-year campuses are cutting back, merging, closing.

UW Regents Fire La Crosse Chancellor Following Porn Revelation

Unanimous decision comes as Chancellor Joe Grow appeared in pornographic films with his video.

Jay Rothman Named UW System President

Milwaukee attorney and Foley & Lardner CEO has never held a university leadership position.

2 Finalists for UW System President

Regents pick Milwaukee attorney and CEO Jay Rothman, and UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Jim Schmidt.

Special Regent Committee announces two finalists for UW System President

Candidate interviews next week

Tommy Thompson Resigning From UW-System Interim Presidency

A Board of Regents committee is selecting a replacement for the former governor.

UW System Presidential Search Committee named

GOP Report Proposes Regionalized UW-System

Interim system President Thompson doesn't support regional consolidation of university functions.

Search for UW System President Starting Soon

Last search, led by UW Regent Michael M. Grebe, ended in controversy and indecision.

Merge UW System and Technical Colleges?

Thompson pushes discussions to consolidate some two-year colleges and voc-tech institutions.

UW System adopts universal medical withdrawal policy

Thompson Warned, Don’t Hike UW Tuition

System's tuitions frozen since 2013. Lawmakers warn UW budget will go nowhere if there’s any hike.

Four Wisconsin Colleges Plan to Eliminate Their Racial Disparities

UW-Milwaukee, Parkside, Carthage and MATC want to eliminate their educational equity gaps by 2030.

Registration is now open for national public summit on preventing sexual harassment in higher education

The UW System is hosting the summit, which will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19

Thompson Announces UW System Layoffs

10% cut in administrative expenses to set example as system-wide cuts needed.

Tommy Thompson Starts UW President Term

His first action is gathering input from UW System faculty, staff, students and members of the public.

UW System investment provides timely tools for COVID-19 responses

UW Tests Tommy’s Legacy As a ‘Builder”

Former governor has huge legacy of bipartisan success, but leading UW won’t be easy.

Amend Rules to Choose Next UW President

UW Regents should revert to earlier, more collegial guidelines for search process that Republicans scrapped.

State Trails Midwest in Spending on Universities

Report: Wisconsin’s public university funding below five neighboring states, down 42% since 2006.

Tommy Thompson Named Interim UW System President

Former governor comes in after a controversial search process that lost its top candidate.

Former Governor Tommy G. Thompson to serve as UW System Interim President

Appointment effective July 1

Pick Tommy for Interim UW President

System in disarray, needs a firm hand — and a friend. Tommy Thompson would be ideal.

Evers Rejects UW System Rules on Sex Assault

System changes, in line with new federal regulations on sex harassment and assault, could have 'chilling' effect on victims, Evers says.

Gov. Evers Rejects Scope Statement Implementing Trump Administration Title IX Changes

UW System Issues Pandemic Guidelines

Campuses should have social distancing for classes, use residence halls for quarantines, testing.

UW System announces students will return to campus in fall

Plan Ahead Team framework recommendations provide guidance to universities

Finalist for UW System President Withdraws

Candidate withdraws, after search process came under criticism.

Why UWM Matters

It’s become crucial to city, state. But will state leaders recognize this?

Finalist for UW Job Defends Budget Cuts

Dr. Jim Johnsen, picked for UW System president, oversaw elimination of 40 programs at University of Alaska System.

State Challenges Federal Sex Assault Changes

Kaul joins 17 other states opposing federal rules, claiming less protection for sexual assault and harassment victims.

UWM’s Financial Plight Is “Catastrophic”

Governor, Legislature not helping. Big hitters in Milwaukee need to rally around university.

Faculty, Admin Slam UW Restructuring Plan

System leader Ray Cross proposed a restructuring plan that would cut programs across the system.

UW System Wants To Borrow for Pandemic Costs

President Ray Cross asks legislature to convene a special session.

Finalist Named For UW System President

University Of Alaska System President Jim Johnson is only finalist left after others drop out.

UW-System Lays Off 40 Administrators

Because of COVID-19, the UW-System laid off 40 from UW-Shared Services Office.

UW System Reached Out on Proposed Changes

Three virtual meetings included about 350 faculty and staff stakeholder participants.

Connie Foster appointed UW-River Falls interim chancellor

UW Faculty Blast President’s ‘Power Grab’

COVID-19 plan by UW System leader Ray Cross will centralize power, they charge.

Evers Promises Three New UW Regents

“Extremely unusual” for board members with expired terms to stay on and continue voting.

UW System Statements on UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen

Chancellor Van Galen named president of Missouri Southern State University

UW Plans Testing All Students, Faculty

System President Ray Cross says goal is for in-person classes at all campuses this fall.

UW System Expects $212 million in Losses

The pandemic has brought a fiscal crisis to the university system.

UW System Furloughs 588 Employees

Every administrative employee furloughed, due to revenue losses caused by pandemic.

Michael Alexander named new chancellor of UW-Green Bay

Appointment takes effect May 1

UW System to launch new EApp electronic application

New EApp will reduce fees, offer easier navigation, and allow first-time applicants to apply to any UW System university

UW System recognizes three professors as 2020 Regent Scholars honored for distinction in research, innovation, entrepreneurship

Wisconsin SBDC to assist businesses with disaster loan applications

Free consulting also available to help owners cope with challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic

UW System to offer prorated room and board refunds

UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Search and Screen Committee named

UW System to host national public summit at UWM on preventing sexual harassment in higher education

UW System to host national public summit on preventing sexual harassment in higher education

Statements on the retirement of UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson

Wisconsin SBDC celebrates 40 years of helping businesses

Support from UW System universities integral to success

UW-Green Bay chancellor finalists named

UW System kicks off second round of All In Wisconsin tour stops at UW-Milwaukee

President Cross, Regent President Petersen announce campus climate survey

Statements on Gerald Whitburn’s resignation from the UW-System Board of Regents

Pay Raise for State Workers Delayed

Legislators still haven't approved union contracts from last year.

UW System expands opportunities for adult learners

“The UW System is consistently working to expand access to nontraditional students, including adult learners.”

Katherine P. Frank named new chancellor of UW-Stout

Appointment takes effect March 1

Regent’s UW President’s Search Criticized

Search committee includes no faculty, staff or non-regent students.

Cross Exit Opens Door to UW Reforms

Find leader from outside academia to take fresh look, transform UW System.

UW-Stout chancellor finalists named

UW System presidential search committee named

The Committee is expected to convene in December, when Petersen will charge the Committee with its mission, review search procedures, and begin the national search.

UW System honors achievements of LGBTQ+ advocates and their allies across UW System

13 honorees of 2019 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People

UW System honors Outstanding Women of Color in Education Award recipients for 2019

This year is the 24th anniversary of the award through which 388 women of color have been recognized for their transformational work.

UW System, Alliant Energy recognize outstanding students, teachers for 2019

The awards are presented to students and teachers from UW System campuses located within Alliant Energy’s service area.

Statements on the announced retirement of UW System President Ray Cross

UW System President Ray Cross to Retire

Has held leadership roles within UW System since 2011.

Gov. Evers’ Statement on President Cross’ Retirement

"I want to thank Ray for his five years of leadership and service as president of our UW System."

UW System President Cross announces plans to retire

Cross, 71, will continue to serve as UW System president until his successor is found after a national search.

UW System preliminary 2019 enrollment drops slightly in wake of demographic trends

UW System produced a record 36,825 graduates in 2017-18.

UW System Math Initiative focused on student success

UW System Board of Regents approves resolution recognizing UW‑Superior freshwater research

Lake Superior Research Institute helping Wisconsin become Silicon Valley of Water

UW Dairy Innovation Hub seeks solutions to challenges facing Wisconsin dairy industry

Agriculture deans to address Board of Regents on Thursday at UW-Superior

UW System continues All In Wisconsin tour at UW-La Crosse

UW-Green Bay Chancellor Search and Screen Committee named

UW System brings All In Wisconsin tour to UW-River Falls

UW Extended Campus to launch two online Master of Science programs in Applied Biotechnology and Information Technology Management

The graduate programs are now accepting applications for the spring semester, which starts January 2020

Marquette University Slashes Staff

To avoid tuition hike, 24 employees laid off, 49 vacancies won’t be filled.

UW System launches All In Wisconsin tour at UW-Parkside

Cross names Sheryl L. Van Gruensven as interim chancellor of UW-Green Bay

UW System President Ray Cross Statement on UW-Green Bay Chancellor Gary Miller

Chancellor Miller named president of University of Akron

Anny Morrobel-Sosa named Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs

Morrobel-Sosa will serve as the chief academic officer for the UW System.

Aaron Seligman named Director of UW System’s Office of Educational Opportunity

Seligman most recently managed student engagement, programming, and communications as Assistant Director of the University of Wisconsin Hillel Foundation at UW-Madison.

UW System empowers small business innovation

“UW System’s Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship is powerful and growing,” said UW System President Ray Cross.

Legislators Okay $1 Billion for UW Projects

Budget committee approves some 40 projects, including UWM Chemistry Building.

UW System Statements on Joint Finance Committee capital budget vote

"I deeply appreciate the Joint Finance Committee’s very strong investment in the University of Wisconsin System’s infrastructure."

UW System Board of Regents elects new board leadership

Drew Petersen to serve as next Regents’ president

UW System forms Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin

The Freshwater Collaborative is designed to meet the pressing needs of freshwater access and security

Rep. Shankland: Statement on Joint Finance Committee’s Vote on UW System

"I am thankful to Governor Evers for his leadership in investing in the UW System, and I know he will keep pushing for funding the tuition freeze and investing in our UW System."

GOP Kills Spending Bump For UW System

UW leader Ray Cross decries Budget Committee: "I feel like I've been kicked in the shins."

President Cross Statement on Joint Finance Committee budget vote

MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross issued this statement today: “Today’s vote was a missed opportunity and shortsighted. The UW System is the best investment the state can make to develop its workforce and attract and retain talent. The UW System budget is reasonable, specific, and responds to workforce needs. We need at least $60 million to keep up with inflation alone; the motion would provide $45 million with significant strings attached. By not addressing these financial challenges, we are severely hamstrung in our ability to continue to grow vital programs and high-need fields that the people of Wisconsin expect and demand.” The University of Wisconsin System serves more than 170,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the UW System is Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. More than 80 percent of in-state UW System graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree. The UW System provides a 23:1 return on state investment. UW System institutions also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.

Cross Says Budget Process Causes Competition

UW System president says various campuses competing to get scarce funds for new facilities.

Cross Still Hopes for New UWM Building

Legislature killed Evers capital budget but UW System still backs new funding, bonding authority for projects around state.

Legislators Reject Evers Capital Budget

Republicans say $2.5 billion too high, back smaller price tag for top priorities.

Cross Champions New UWM Chemistry Building

Building outmoded, UW System president says. Evers also backs $130 million project.

Evers Wants $2.5 Billion Capital Budget

Fitzgerald assails “alarming... level of spending and bonding”.

Regents Okay Pay Hike for UW Staff

UW System officials say uncompetitive pay causing faculty turnover.

“Smart Cities—Smart Futures” Competition Draws Hundreds of Submissions, Supports Wisconsin Innovation

Wisconsin higher education community submits ideas aiming to help shape and change the future of health care, transportation, housing, and education

25 UW Campuses Strapped for Funds

UW-Madison doing fine but other 25 campuses, including Milwaukee, have taken big hits to funding.

New Names for Waukesha, Washington County Campuses Approved

The campuses serving freshmen and sophomores became part of UWM on July 1.

Governor Walker Announces Dairy Task Force 2.0 Members at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days

Representative Mark Spreitzer statement on UW-System funding for agriculture educators

"Only three years after Governor Walker slashed UW System funding, rural communities and farmers are seeing the negative effects."

22 Wisconsin School Districts Awarded Fab Lab Grants

Governor Scott Walker, WEDC Secretary Mark Hogan, UW System President Ray Cross and other key leaders to award grants during statewide tour on “Fab Lab Day”

State Leaders to Join Governor Walker in Awarding Fab Labs Grants Throughout Wisconsin

WEDC Secretary Hogan, Department of Revenue Secretary Chandler, UW System President Cross among those taking part in “Fab Lab Day” announcements on May 1

How to Pick the Next Governor

Judge the many candidates on how they’d address Wisconsin’s economic chasm.

UW System Changes Too Piecemeal

Example: UW-Stevens Point reducing liberal arts. System-wide strategic plan is needed.

UW Extension Could Have More Impact

Its 1600 employees could beef up depleted regional UW campuses.

Governor Walker Announces Wisconsin Career Creator Plan to Support Long-Term Workforce Development Needs

$20 million investment will improve worker training and education opportunities

WEDC, UW System Name Talent Initiatives Director

Rebecca Deschane to oversee statewide efforts to attract, retain highly skilled workforce in newly-created position that will serve both organizations

Does UW System Have Too Many Colleges?

Cross addresses what’s long been whispered: 26 UW institutions is too many.

UW System Reorganization a Bold Plan

What’s good and what could be improved in UW President Ray Cross’s proposal.

WEDC, UW System Launch Workforce Development Partnership

New talent initiatives director position to oversee statewide efforts to attract, retain highly skilled workforce

Governor Walker Moderates Foxconn Roundtable Discussion in Green Bay

Joins government, business, and education leaders in discussing impact Foxconn will have on workforce development in Wisconsin

21 Wisconsin School Districts Awarded Fab Lab Grants

Governor Scott Walker, Lieutenant Governor Kleefisch, other key leaders to award WEDC grants during statewide tour on "Fab Lab Day" in Wisconsin

State Leaders to Join Governor Walker in Awarding Fab Labs Grants Throughout Wisconsin

Lt. Governor Kleefisch, UW System President Cross, WEDC Secretary Hogan among those taking part in "Fab Lab Day" announcements on April 25

Johnny College Can’t Read

Or add. Report shows which high schools’ grads require remediation from UW System.

15 Years of Declining UW Support

In real dollars state support of UW System has plummeted by one-third since 2001.

Rep Nass Threatens More UW Cuts

Whitewater Republican Steve Nass upset by gay sexuality discussion in UW sociology class.

7 Ways to Improve UW System

Ray Cross and regents need to take bold steps in face of financial cuts.

UW Faculty Protests Anger GOP Legislators

Walker and legislators double down: they won’t restore UW cuts or tenure protection.

Faculty Council of Senators of UW Colleges Endorse Resolution of No Confidence

The resolution calls upon System President Ray Cross and the Board of Regents “to make a positive case for improved access, affordability, and educational resources for our students.”

What Would Tommy Do?

A Republican governor was once UW’s greatest champion. Those days are long gone.

Governor Scott Walker’s 2016 State of the State Address

"The state of our state is strong. We are moving Wisconsin forward."

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on 2-Year, Bipartisan Perkins Extension Heading to the President’s Desk to Become Law

Baldwin: “A bipartisan solution that breaks the gridlock”

Why Tenure and Shared Governance Are Needed

Legislators' push for top-down management will damage UW System and chase away top faculty.

Can Ray Cross Reposition the UW System?

Legislators see it as a Madison-centered liberal redoubt. Maybe it needs a stronger base in Milwaukee.

“We Could Do a Lot More Outreach.”

UW System President Ray Cross discusses how an independently managed UW System might work.