MADISON – “Tom George’s departure is a significant loss for UW-Stevens Point and the UW System. Under Tom’s strong leadership, UW-Stevens Point has engaged with other partners in central Wisconsin to mount important economic development initiatives; over the past seven years, UW-Stevens Point’s academic programs have become more distinctive, its new Global Environmental Management institute is becoming world-class, and the new Fine Arts facility will be a major regional asset for the arts in central Wisconsin.
“I am grateful to both Tom and Barbara for their leadership and their active engagement in the larger Stevens Point community. We will miss their energy, their ideas, their music, and their ability to inspire collaboration for common ends.
“I expect the search for a new chancellor will start immediately and move rapidly; I would hope to have a new chancellor named early next year (in 2004). In the interim, I and my staff will support and assist the campus to maintain its momentum.”