MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross issued this statement today:
“We applaud Governor Evers’ enthusiastic commitment to funding higher education and the University of Wisconsin System. We agree that higher education is vital to growing Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, improving lives, and providing Wisconsinites opportunities to earn higher wages.
“By fully funding the tuition freeze in his proposed budget, Governor Evers is committed to preserving the quality of education critical to student success.
“Additionally, his proposed investments in capacity-building initiatives of high-demand programs can help position Wisconsin for an even brighter future.
“We look forward to working with the Governor and legislators to advance our shared priorities.”
The University of Wisconsin System serves more than 170,000 students. Awarding 36,000 degrees annually, the UW System is 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. More than 80 percent of UW System graduates stay in Wisconsin five years after earning a degree. The UW System provides a 23:1 return on state investment. UW System institutions also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy.