“I am pleased today to welcome three new members, and one familiar face, to the Board of Regents, following their appointments by Governor Doyle.
“I look forward to joining UW chancellors, faculty and staff in working with Jeffrey Bartell, Mary Cuene, Thomas Shields, and Brent Smith as the University of Wisconsin serves students and the state of Wisconsin by furthering the growth and renewal of the state’s public university system.
“Each of these appointees brings with them a wealth of experience, knowledge of complex organizations, and UW alumni standing in joining the Board. They will now serve as stewards of the university’s academic quality, fiscal integrity, commitment to access, and capacity for growth.
“I’m pleased that Regent Smith will remain with the Board of Regents as a leader in helping the UW System expand the number of Wisconsin citizens who have four-year college degrees. I’m eager to learn from Thomas Shields more about the needs of nontraditional students, especially as we seek to reach out to them as part of our systemwide Growth Agenda. I also look forward to the unique perspectives, and personal and professional experiences, that Jeffrey Bartell and Mary Cuene will bring to Regent discussions and policy decisions.
“On behalf of all my UW System colleagues and the state, I offer thanks to former Regent Gregory Gracz, who was honored in April for his seven years of contributions as a member of the Board, and to Regent Roger Axtell, who will depart the Board in May following seven years of remarkably engaged service to students and Wisconsin citizens.”