A Year-End Letter: Martin reflects on past, sizes up future
After two academic years at the helm of one of the world’s most respected public research institutions, University of Wisconsin–Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin sees accomplishments, challenges and a lively campus.
“Our faculty, staff and students are deeply engaged with the larger public, fiercely devoted to ‘sifting and winnowing’ and willing to work not only at the cutting edge, but at the heart of things,” Martin says in a letter to the campus community.
In that letter, Martin expresses her thanks for “the extraordinary work you do on so many fronts to make this one of the most vibrant universities in the world.”
The chancellor divides her message into 10 sections, emphasizing a variety of topics important to the university.
They include: the Madison Initiative for Undergraduates; building the Great People Scholarship Campaign; research administration and funding; the need to boost graduate student funding; searching for a new UW Foundation president; Global Health and Sustainability, two university-wide interdisciplinary efforts; re-dedicating to diversity efforts and extending the university’s international reach; activating new tools to address salary issues; collaboration and coordination with the Wisconsin Alumni Association and UW Foundation, and changes in university relations and communications.
Going forward, Martin’s letter calls for finding the right economic model for the university, one that balances quality and affordability and sets up a new relationship with the state of Wisconsin.
In closing, the chancellor says: “The spirit, energy and dedication of our faculty, staff and students make this university worthy of celebration. I celebrate all of you, and I hope you have a wonderful summer.”
Tags: campus administration