Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is actively engaging with local communities across Wisconsin to address significant challenges and create new opportunities. Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin recently visited Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Marinette to observe these partnerships in action.

In Milwaukee, the university collaborates with Hayat Pharmacy through the Wisconsin Opioid Overdose Resource Center to distribute life-saving opioid reversal kits like naloxone. "We believe that at the core of our university is the idea that we want to do research, teaching and public service to improve people’s lives," said Mnookin during her visit.

Mnookin also stopped by Aurora Sinai Medical Center, one of nearly 50 health sites where UW–Madison students gain clinical training through programs such as Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH).

The Milwaukee trip underscored UW–Madison's economic ties to the region. The university has partnered with over 90 county employers for professional development in various fields, benefiting more than 19,000 alumni living and working locally.

On May 2, Mnookin traveled to Northeast Wisconsin focusing on workforce development. At Fincantieri Marinette Marine, she discussed their collaboration with UW–Madison’s College of Engineering which offers students global experiences. "It was inspiring to see firsthand the scale and sophistication of the work being done at Fincantieri Marinette Marine," remarked Mnookin.

In Green Bay, discussions centered around entrepreneurship and economic development. Local venture fund TitletownTech has invested in startups linked to UW–Madison, including those working on computer vision and fusion energy.

Throughout these visits, access and affordability remained key themes. In Brown, Marinette, and Milwaukee counties alone, over 2,750 undergraduates are enrolled tuition-free through initiatives like Bucky’s Tuition Promise.

As the semester concludes, UW–Madison leaders plan continued engagement with communities statewide as part of their commitment to addressing Wisconsin's future challenges.