Skip to main content

Interim finance and administration leader starts work

March 8, 2016

Interim Vice Chancellor Michael Lehman sent the following message Monday to finance and administration staff.

It is an honor to join the UW–Madison community today as interim vice chancellor for finance and administration.

I greatly appreciate the opportunity Chancellor Blank has given me to serve my alma mater and home state. And I realize I have big shoes to fill with the departure of Darrell Bazzell, who served UW–Madison and the state of Wisconsin so well for so many years.

Michael Lehman

Michael Lehman

By working together and in continued pursuit of the Wisconsin Idea, we can accomplish much in the coming months.

While my professional experience is in the private sector – specifically, the technology industry – I have remained close to the university over the years. I am a member of the UW Foundation Board of Directors and have served on numerous boards in the Wisconsin School of Business and Department of Computer Sciences.

UW-Madison is a special place, and I know how important VCFA units are to its success. From the essential student services provided by Housing, University Health Services, Recreational Sports and the Wisconsin Union to important human resources, facilities and business services (to name just a few), you help make this one of the world’s great universities. It is clear to me that you take seriously our VCFA mission of providing “the highest-quality administrative and student life services to enhance the University of Wisconsin–Madison experience.”

I look forward to being part of UW–Madison’s leadership team during this period of transition. But I know we can’t go it alone in Bascom Hall or in my office. Every member of our campus community – students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends – contributes to our success.

I hope to get to know as many of you as I can in the weeks ahead. If you have questions or want to share an idea, please call 608-262-9943 or send an e-mail to vcfa@vc.wisc.edu.

Thank you for all you do for our university and state. It is my privilege to be your colleague.

Michael Lehman
Interim Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration