MADISON, Wis.—Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman issued this statement today in response to Gov. Evers’ budget proposal:
“Governor Evers’ budget for the Universities of Wisconsin demonstrates his desire to win the War for Talent by investing in our 13 public universities. His proposal also ensures the UWs can maintain the access and affordability students deserve and parents expect.
“The UWs are currently 43rd out of 50 states in public university funding, and the governor’s proposal would put that unflattering and uncompetitive ranking behind us while bringing Wisconsin to the national median. With it, the UWs have targeted investments on affordability, access, innovation, and talent development that will ensure Wisconsin is ready for a brighter future. I look forward to working with the state legislature to make such investments that will help Wisconsin succeed.”
The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 164,400 students. Awarding nearly 36,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.