Bazzell to depart UW-Madison in March

UW-Madison Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Darrell Bazzell will leave his role in March for a similar position at the University of Texas at Austin.

Bazzell will move into the role of senior vice president and chief financial officer in Austin beginning in April. His last day in Madison will be March 6. An interim vice chancellor will be named as soon as possible.

Bazzell has served as UW–Madison’s chief financial and administrative officer since 2003.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration is responsible for the overall supervision of the university’s financial and administrative functions, including budget, facilities planning, business services, and some student services.

“I am deeply appreciative of Darrell’s numerous contributions and wise counsel during my time as chancellor,” says Chancellor Rebecca Blank. “He is a consummate professional who has been an important player in all aspects of life at the university.”

“I’ve been fortunate to serve my alma mater for all of these years,” says Bazzell, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UW–Madison in 1984. “After 31 years in state government, it was time to assess my future goals and this new opportunity.”

Bazzell has family in the Houston area, and his nephew is a recent UT graduate.

Prior to taking his role at UW–Madison, Bazzell served as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He held additional roles at the DNR, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the departments of Administration and Health and Social Services.

At UW–Madison, Bazzell has stewarded the university through multiple state budget processes and efforts to promote high-quality campus services, facilities development, administrative efficiencies and process improvements. He exhibited a strong commitment to the campus strategic priorities, including resource stewardship and a commitment to enhancing an environment of inclusion and diversity.

“UW-Madison is an outstanding institution and is well-positioned to continue to provide excellent service to our students and state,” he adds.

One of the successes Bazzell says he is most proud of is the First Wave multicultural arts program, which he championed. “It was one of my goals to help give students of color a voice, and the program has done that and so much more,” he says.

Outside of the university, Bazzell has been one of Madison’s most engaged community leaders. He has been active in numerous community service and professional organizations, serving on the board of United Way of Dane County.

Bazzell is the former president of the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, Urban League of Greater Madison, 100 Black Men of Madison, the Wisconsin Association of Black Public Sector Employees and the Gathering Waters Conservancy.