I would like to express my gratitude to UW System President Ray Cross, who announced his retirement today.
Ray was clearly the right president for the UW System at the right time. We needed someone who could navigate significant budget cuts with a steady hand, working with the legislature, leaders from across UW System and faculty and staff. He has been a caretaker of the Wisconsin Idea, helping the UW System maintain its status as one of the best higher education institutions in the world. He also has been a great friend to UW-Milwaukee, recognizing our importance to our region and the state. During his tenure, we achieved and have maintained our status as a top-ranked research university.
I thank Ray for his service, leadership and friendship, and wish him the very best in retirement. Ray has asked me to share with you the message below.
Best regards,
Mark A. Mone
Chancellor
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Message from Ray Cross
After much reflection and 42 years in higher education, I have decided to retire.
It has been my honor to serve the University of Wisconsin System, one of the finest and most respected systems of public higher education in the country- or even the world. Since 2011, when I first joined the system as Chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension, it has been my privilege to work alongside so many dedicated, thoughtful, outstanding colleagues in our shared mission to “improve the human condition” and to “search for truth” through education, research, and service. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of that story with you. Thank you.
At a time when higher education has never been more valuable or more needed, the UW System is dynamic and strong. Together, we are preparing graduates to thrive in a world of continual change and boundless opportunity. We are doing our part to improve the human condition with creative scholarship, groundbreaking research, and entrepreneurial know-how. Our Chancellors, System leadership, and the Board of Regents are engaged and ready to support our efforts to be the best we can be and to better serve the needs of the state. This is a good time to be part of the UW System.
Looking ahead, I will continue to serve as your President until a successor has been identified through a robust national search. Until that time, I look forward to continuing to work with you.
President
University of Wisconsin System