Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin recently visited several communities in Wisconsin, focusing on university partnerships and local innovations. Her visit, which took place during the week of November 18, included stops in Sauk, Vernon, and Monroe counties.

Chancellor Mnookin began her tour with a focus on agriculture by visiting Hidden Spring Creamery in Westby. Accompanied by College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Dean Glenda Gillaspy and Associate Dean Heidi Zoerb, she explored the fourth-generation family farm known for its award-winning sheep's milk cheeses. The farm collaborates with UW-Madison to promote sustainable farming practices.

Mnookin also visited Organic Valley, a cooperative of over 1,600 family farmers based in Cashton. During her visit, she discussed sustainable agriculture with State Representative Travis Tranel and CALS faculty members.

In Sauk County, Mnookin shifted her attention to health care topics. She toured Four Paws Veterinary Clinic in Sauk Prairie with UWSVM Dean Jon Levine. The clinic is owned by UW-Madison alumni Kelly Gilligan and Brooke Milde. Discussions focused on the challenges faced by rural veterinary clinics.

The week concluded with a visit to Reedsburg Area Medical Center (RAMC), where Mnookin met with hospital leadership including CEO Robert Van Meeteren. The discussions centered around RAMC's innovations in rural health care.

During her travels, Chancellor Mnookin also engaged with local businesses such as Wonderstate Coffee in Viroqua and J's Pub and Grill in Reedsburg.

"By building and maintaining connections with health providers, businesses and job-creators across the state," UW–Madison aims to "foster collaborations to tackle real-world challenges," said the chancellor.