With UW-Madison finances closely tied to the state Legislature, several key lawmakers Wednesday said they would like to see a diverse array of qualities in the next chancellor.
State Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, said he wants the person to work well with lawmakers. He said the chancellor must also be an effective fundraiser
to help UW-Madison grow.
Risser said he would respect the UW-System Board of Regents' role in making a decision on the next chancellor.
I have confidence that they can help select a really good person and make a recommendation that is satisfactory '¦ to the state,"" Risser said.
State Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, wants the next chancellor to have a better working relationship with lawmakers, according to Nass' research assistant Mike Mikalsen. Nass is chair of the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee, which often deals with legislation and funding issues related to the campus.
Mikalsen said current Chancellor John Wiley often communicated directly with lawmakers, but was also combative at times during discussions on campus policies.
Wiley increased UW-Madison's reputation as a research facility, Mikalsen said, though Nass wants more focus placed on undergraduate education.
The next chancellor needs to be a successful manager of staff, according to Mikalsen. He said the university wasted money in the past over personnel lawsuits filed by staff members.
""When things are tight you can't afford to be wasting money on lawyers and out-of-court settlements because some administrator didn't do their job correctly,"" Mikalsen said.
He said Nass suggested a candidate from outside the UW-System might be a better choice for the next chancellor, in order to bring a fresh perspective.
Committee member state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, said Wiley's replacement must continue to focus on keeping the university affordable. He also said the person must take the job not only for the salary, but also because of their love for the campus.
Nathan Williams, spokesperson for state Rep. Jeff Smith, D-Eau Clair, also a member of the Colleges and Universities Committee, similarly said the quality of life in Madison draws candidates, despite financial troubles in the state government.
