Office of the President
President Lyall's Retirement Announcement
February 4, 2004
It has been my privilege to serve as President of the UW System for the past twelve years. These have been years of great challenge and many achievements during which UW institutions have produced more than 300,000 graduates and worked together to become more engaged in Wisconsin's economy and its communities. As a system we have:
- Maintained one of the highest access rates for high school graduates in the nation;
- Set a national benchmark for low administrative costs;
- Forged a Systemwide plan for diversity and worked steadily for its implementation;
- Made major research contributions in health care, biotechnology, and many cutting edge fields that will enhance quality of life for all.
Looking forward, the UW System now faces new challenges. Through the "Charting the Future" study, the Board, chancellors, faculty, staff, and students are developing a blueprint for the System's continuing contributions to Wisconsin's future. This is an appropriate time for new energy and fresh leadership of the UW System.
This afternoon, I am announcing my plan to retire as president at the end of this academic year. I will leave with great affection for this university and with great admiration for the work its faculty and staff do to maintain its historic commitment to public service. As Chapter 36 Wisconsin Statutes reminds us: "Basic to every purpose of the system is the search for truth." It's hard to imagine a better challenge for a career. It has been an honor to have led this remarkable university system.
In the coming months, I will devote myself to helping the Board and our institutions make this as smooth a transition as possible.