The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) was recently designated one of only 115 “Research 1” doctoral universities in the nation by the prestigious Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Other institutions with this elite status include Yale, the University of Michigan, Harvard, and Duke, among other highly distinguished universities and colleges. In Wisconsin, only UWM and UW-Madison received the “highest research activity” rating.

The “Research 1” classification is truly momentous and speaks to the quality of UWM’s faculty, which translates directly into the high caliber education and opportunities that our students receive. And because so much of this discovery is done in partnership with organizations and businesses, our communities benefit greatly from the research efforts of UWM’s faculty, staff and students.

This pinnacle was achieved due to a long-standing commitment to becoming a top-tier research university and the efforts of remarkable faculty and staff. Our new classification is significant on many levels, beginning with the immediate positive impact on how proud we are—and this is an important boost for the campus’ morale and climate.

Second, the elite status strengthens our national and global standing and makes UWM – as Wisconsin’s only public, urban research university – a more compelling and competitive option for top-level researchers and faculty. This boosts our ability to attract and retain some of the brightest minds for the future.

Third, UWM is now qualified to apply for certain types of government and industry research dollars that it previously could not have without the “Research 1” designation. Top-tier universities have much higher visibility in the research field, which is advantageous when attracting federal research funding to Milwaukee.

Finally, this designation will bolster our commitment to access and research for our students, support the region’s businesses and help address societal issues. In 2015, UWM granted more than 250 doctoral degrees, received more than $32 million in research funding, and made nearly $61 million in research-related expenditures.

Research is inextricably tied to a strong, successful and healthy populous and economy. When looking at the nation’s most vibrant and economically prosperous areas, we see that these regions all have thriving research universities. With the “Research 1” designation and state support, the Milwaukee region will more likely achieve the caliber of a Boston, Seattle, or Austin regional research powerhouse.

We are thrilled to have received this elite designation, and thank you for your support over the years that helped enable this stellar accomplishment.

Mark A. Mone
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee