A delegation consisting of Dean Brett Peters, UWM’s Chief Government Relations Officer Keri Duce, UW-Madison Engineering Dean Devesh Ranjan and UW-Platteville Engineering Dean Philip Parker met with Wisconsin Congressional members in February.
The group promoted the universities’ educational programs, discussed the critical role of federal support, and highlighted other opportunities for investment.
The reception from politicians was open and varied on many issues, such as public funding. While they universally acknowledged the growing demand for more engineers, Peters said, perspectives varied on how best to support universities and students.
“The Congressional delegation remains quite divided on many issues, but there is a general recognition of the importance of engineering in both research and education for the nation’s well-being and security,” Peters said.
Our college’s degree programs are highly regarded by legislators, and enthusiasm is building around expanded collaborations with technical colleges through the new Bachelor of Science in Engineering program.
There was also strong appreciation for our engagement with local industry and our research, he said.
“Connections to industry, enhancement of economic growth, and engagement of undergraduate students will all remain as competitive advantages for us,” Peters said. “It’s clear that the College of Engineering & Applied Science remains well-positioned to capitalize on research opportunities going forward, although we will need to be more precise at targeting the priorities and clearly conveying the impact of the research.”
He reported broad optimism about sustained research funding in our core strengths, including advanced manufacturing, energy, and transportation. The Wisconsin Manufacturing Summit in Green Bay planned for June was one topic discussed.
Emerging fields such as quantum science and quantum computing also generated interest, particularly as potential partnership opportunities. And artificial intelligence sparked lively conversation and a wide range of opinions, he said.
The group was in Washington, D.C. for the annual American Society for Engineering Education Public Policy Colloquium.
Among those the deans spoke with were:
- Sen. Tammy Baldwin
- Sen. Ron Johnson
- Rep. Gwen Moore
- Rep. Tony Wied
The dean’s group also attended a Wisconsin group breakfast with Rep. Mark Pocan and had lunch with staff members of Rep. Glenn Grothman, Rep. Bryan Steil, Pocan, and Wied.