Madison Reporter

Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin addressed the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting at Union South, UW–Madison, on February 6. In her speech titled "Growing UW–Madison’s Future," she highlighted a year marked by significant achievements despite ongoing challenges.

Mnookin emphasized the importance of flexibility and adaptability to maintain momentum in various initiatives. She described the past year as "momentous," citing accomplishments that have set the stage for future growth while acknowledging broader challenges facing higher education.

A key focus was the RISE initiative, which targets artificial intelligence, sustainability, and health to address global challenges. Mnookin noted that RISE has already fostered new collaborations among faculty, including projects in pancreatic cancer treatment and AI applications in radiology.

The university aims to hire 120-150 new faculty through RISE, with 30 already onboarded and 15 more expected next year. "Our culture draws great people here," Mnookin stated, emphasizing how collaboration fuels both discovery and economic growth in Wisconsin.

Research expenditures at UW–Madison increased from $1.3 billion to $1.7 billion between 2019 and 2023, elevating its rank from eighth to sixth in the National Science Foundation's HERD rankings. Nearly half of these expenditures are federally funded.

Mnookin addressed concerns over potential impacts from recent federal directives on research funding but expressed confidence in UW–Madison's mission guiding it through uncertain times. She stressed commitments to evidence-based research, academic freedom, and diversity of viewpoints on campus.

Efforts continue to modernize facilities with projects like Irving & Dorothy Levy Hall and Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center underway. Morgridge Hall is set to open this fall as part of enhancing infrastructure for teaching and research.

UW–Madison also advocates for increased state investment in higher education as part of its strategic goals. "UW–Madison has been a jewel of our state for 176 incredible years," Mnookin said, expressing her vision for an even stronger future for the institution.