Office of the President
Toby Marcovich, President
UW Board of Regents
February 4, 2004
I find myself in a place I do not want to be and at a time I do not want to be there.
I very much regret the occasion that calls for my appearance here today. I know that Governor Doyle and I tried to convince Katharine to stay on and neither he nor I were successful in doing so. Shows you who is the most skillful of this group. I guess everyone deserves a retirement, Katharine – I just wish yours wasn't coming quite so soon.
I realize that no one is indispensable, but some persons are much less dispensable – so be it with Katharine Lyall.
Katharine Lyall has been an outstanding leader with an extraordinary tenure as president. I think it is fair to say that many of us here today cannot yet envision the University of Wisconsin System without President Lyall at the helm.
It has been a great privilege to work with Katharine and on behalf of the members of our university community; I want to thank her for her exemplary service and extreme dedication to this institution.
I think I speak for Regents and Chancellors, past and present, when I say that Katharine Lyall has done a terrific job, leaving this institution in far better condition than she inherited it. The challenges have been formidable but she has met every one with intelligence, grace, integrity, common sense and a great sense of humor.
Her list of achievements is extraordinary. She has appointed all but one of our current chancellors and UW System officers and she has worked with more than 100 different members of the Board of Regents. Where the average life span of a university president these days is about five years, Katharine has served for 13 years since she became acting president in 1991. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement.
But there is more!
She is one of the smartest and hardest working people I know. She is one of the most "down to earth" and warmest people I know. That is why so many in our university community have such great affection and admiration for her. She is an inspiration to all who know her, and she is a lot of fun too.
I also very much appreciate Katharine's pledge to help us complete our charting the course study and to achieve a smooth transition over the coming months. It will make the Regents most difficult job much easier.
Within a few weeks, we will move ahead, I will appoint a search committee and it is my hope to have the next President selected by the end of June. We will search throughout the nation for the best possible candidate to fill this critical position because it will take an extraordinary individual to follow in President Lyall's footsteps.
In the meantime, I look forward to working with her as we conclude our work on the university's strategic plan, as we define the state resources we will need to keep the UW System strong, competitive and serving our state's citizens, and as we seek new leaders for our Milwaukee and Stevens Point campuses.
On a personal note, Katharine, I wish you the very best in your retirement – you have earned and deserve every happiness. I look forward to your return to Wisconsin after your year in California and we hope you will return in some capacity to the university community. Thank you again for all you have done for this great university and this great state.
Now, President Lyall and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.