MADISON, Wis. – University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross joined with the Madison Urban League, Centro Hispano, United Way, and over 100 other African-American and Latino community leaders to discuss possible partnerships at a reception this week.
“In today’s talent-based economy, it is vitally important – for all of us – that educational and economic opportunities are more broadly accessible across our society, regardless of background,” Cross said. “It is imperative that we not only understand but also act on the reality that the state of Wisconsin – and the country – will never reach its full potential if we don’t do a better job of educating our underrepresented, minority populations.”
Cross noted that the UW System must work to improve the human condition – and, in fact, is required to by its mission. “But we can only accomplish meaningful results if we work together,” Cross said. “We must be more than the University of Wisconsin, but rather the University for Wisconsin.”
The event was co-hosted by the UW System and United Way, and supported and promoted by the Urban League and Centro Hispano. It brought together community leaders, service organizations, faith-based groups, non-profits, municipal and state government representatives, university members, and others to discuss areas of shared interest and potential collaboration. The event is one of the many listening sessions Cross has held around the state.
The UW System Board of Regents is expected to take up issues related to diversity and efforts to address existing achievement gaps at next week’s board meeting at UW-Oshkosh and in future months.