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BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SYSTEM

Resolution of Appreciation

William F. Messner

WHEREAS, William Messner has greatly advanced the mission and value of the University of Wisconsin System’s 13 freshman-sophomore campuses during his seven-year term as Chancellor of the UW Colleges; and

WHEREAS, he led the successful revitalization of the 13 UW Colleges campuses into a valuable statewide network that now serves more than 12,000 students ― an increase of 4,000 since the beginning of his tenure; and

WHEREAS, Messner ensured that UW Colleges’ campuses are providing high-quality liberal-arts instruction, preparing students for transfer and academic success in baccalaureate education at four-year UW campuses; and

WHEREAS, under Bill’s guidance, the UW Colleges expanded access to higher education for the state’s workforce by offering affordable, quality education, including online degree completion programs with four-year UW campuses, to >adult and place-bound students across Wisconsin; and

WHEREAS, Messner worked diligently with a Joint Legislative Committee and counterparts at the Wisconsin Technical College System to expand transfer opportunities, develop proposals to expand the number of baccalaureate degree holders in Wisconsin, and help the two systems achieve a more collaborative relationship; and

WHEREAS, he adopted and implemented a multi-year plan to improve faculty salaries at UW Colleges and to reward the core mission of excellence in teaching; and

WHEREAS, Bill has been a valued colleague and member of the UW System management team of chancellors, sharing with them the very challenging task of managing adroitly the largest budget cuts in the system’s history; and

WHEREAS, Messner has maintained the UW Colleges as an essential part of Wisconsin’s access to the UW System;

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, that the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents commends and extends deep gratitude to William F. Messner for his significant accomplishments and contributions, and wishes him well as he continues his career as president at Holyoke Community College.

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Return to Regents news summary for Aug. 19, 2004