Madison Reporter

On April 1, 2025, the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Charles Isbell, Jr., together with Lauren Papp, Associate Dean for Research in the School of Human Ecology, addressed the University of Wisconsin–Madison community. The officials informed faculty, Academic Staff, University Staff, and limited appointees about the ongoing efforts of the university’s Strategic Visioning Committee. Acknowledging the challenges faced by higher education, they stressed the importance of developing a strategic framework and invited participation from the campus community.

Chancellor Mnookin's Visioning Committee, established in January, comprises 31 members including faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Their task is to establish preliminary concepts and provide recommendations for UW–Madison’s future strategic framework. Despite the uncertainties in higher education, the commitment to progress with strategic planning remains strong. "We believe, and we hope you agree, that the importance of our mission means it is critical that we move ahead to plan strategically for UW–Madison’s future, even as we continue to respond to the urgency of the moment," stated Isbell and Papp.

The committee's work thus far has been informed through various avenues, including discussions with campus leadership and national experts, as well as insights from Chancellor Mnookin’s engagements with stakeholders. The committee has developed initial concepts that now require broader engagement and feedback from the campus community.

The next step involves gathering input through a survey and several community conversations planned for April. The university leaders expressed their hope that the campus community will participate fully. "Our goal is to work with you to shape a vision for our future that reflects the great breadth of expertise, creativity, and commitments that define UW–Madison," the message continued.

The provost and associate dean look forward to collaborating with the university community to build upon UW–Madison’s legacy of excellence.

Signed sincerely, Charles Isbell, Jr. and Lauren Papp, co-chairs of the Visioning Committee.