Torphy to retire

A search is under way to replace John Torphy, vice chancellor for administration, who plans to retire next summer after a long career in state government.

Torphy came to UW–Madison in 1989 as the associate vice chancellor for budget, planning and analysis before being named vice chancellor in 1993.

“John is known throughout the UW System and state government for his budget expertise, his incisive analytic skills, and his understanding of the university’s role in Wisconsin,” Chancellor John Wiley says. “His knowledge and energy will be sorely missed and difficult to replace, as will his irreverent sense of irony and humor.”

A 16-member search and screen committee chaired by Walter Dickey, professor of law, and consisting of faculty, academic and classified staff, and representatives from UW System and the Wisconsin Department of Administration will forward a list of three to five finalists to the chancellor.

Wiley expects to make a final selection well in advance of Torphy’s retirement date, so that a smooth transition can be made.

The vice chancellor for administration is responsible for the overall supervision of university administrative functions, including budget, facilities planning, general business services and auxiliary operations. The vice chancellor also serves as a senior advisor to the chancellor and provost on administrative policies and practices.

Torphy held a long list of high-level state government positions before coming to UW–Madison, including state budget director, 1974-77; secretary, Department of Administration, 1977-79; deputy secretary, State Department of Health and Social Services, 1983-87 and administrator, State Division of Health, 1987-88.

Torphy is a 1962 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UW–Madison, earning a bachelor of science degree in history. He has also taught graduate courses in capital budgeting and finance and public policy development and decision-making at UW–Madison. He is also a former Peace Corps volunteer and program director.

The search and screen committee looking for Torphy’s replacement includes Dickey; Phillip Certain, dean of the College of Letters and Science; Maury Cotter, director of the Office of Quality Improvement; Barbara Erlenborn, non-represented classified staff member; Robert Hanle, Wisconsin Department of Administration; Freda Harris, UW System assistant vice president for budget planning; Charles Hoslet, senior special assistant to the chancellor; Eden Inoway-Ronnie, executive assistant to the provost; Jim Knickmeyer, associate dean of the Graduate School; Frank Kooistra, associate dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; Thomas Kurtz, professor of mathematics and statistics; Gary Mitchell, represented classified staff member; Melany Newby, vice chancellor for legal and executive affairs; Carrie Regenstein, associate director of the Division of Information Technology; Susan Riseling, University Police chief; and Ronald Schultz, professor of pathobiological sciences.