Statement on UW System’s Strategic Shift

MADISON – Sen. Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Universities and Revenue, issued the following statement in reaction to the University of Wisconsin System’s announcement this morning that they are making strategic changes related to the future of several of its two-year campuses:

“Today’s announcement by the UW System is unfortunate, but an indication of ongoing challenges facing higher education across Wisconsin and the nation.

 “The realities of a declining population, remote learning, alternative career paths, and severe workforce shortages require rethinking how we deliver higher education and career readiness on a statewide basis.

 “I commend UW leadership for taking these difficult, but necessary, first steps in reducing our physical footprint for those two-year campuses facing significant enrollment declines.

 “As these measures remain necessary, I will continue to work with stakeholders to create a broad blueprint for the future of higher education in Wisconsin. Our UW and Technical College systems should continue to be a national powerhouse for excellence, achievement, and innovation for the economy and careers of tomorrow.”