On behalf of UW-Milwaukee, I write to endorse the UW System Board of Regents selection of former Gov. Tommy Thompson as interim President of the UW System.  In his four terms as Governor, Mr. Thompson was a strong supporter of the UW System and education throughout the state. He has had a long, successful career in the legislature, as governor, as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, investor, board member and business leader, and as a passionate ambassador for the state of Wisconsin.  What is compelling at this time is how effectively he can bring parties together to achieve common goals and objectives.

It is my hope that Governor Thompson draws from his skills, relations, and experience to forge clear support from business, government, and the public to strengthen one of the state’s greatest assets: The University of Wisconsin System.  As interim President, it will be critical to establish stable funding, restore cuts, and make further investments from the state and other revenue sources to retain the high-quality faculty and staff to educate students—our future.  The UW System is an important economic engine and holds the keys to prosperity. We stand united to address the significant health, economic, social, and educational crises facing the state, and to propel the state toward a healthier, prosperous future.

Having worked with the Governor on several major educational, research and economic development initiatives over the years, I know he has remarkable capabilities, energy, and vision.  We welcome him to campus and look forward to working with him.