Blank to join APLU board, executive committee

Chancellor Rebecca Blank has been elected to a four-year term on the board of directors and executive committee of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).

The announcement was made at APLU’s annual meeting in San Diego. As part of the role, Blank will become board chair from November 2021-November 2022.

APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The association’s is made up of 242 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations.

“We’re delighted to have Rebecca Blank join the APLU Board of Directors and the Board’s Executive Committee,” said APLU President Peter McPherson.

“She brings a wealth of experience as an economist, public servant, and higher education leader. The Board of Directors plays an essential role in shaping APLU’s work to advance the education, research, and engagement missions of public higher education. We are so pleased that Rebecca will be at the table helping to provide a national direction.”

Blank says she’s looking forward to guiding strategy and advocacy efforts in support of public higher education at public universities in Wisconsin and around the country. Separately, she just finished a term on the board of the Association of American Universities (AAU).

“Now more than ever, higher education needs the support of state and federal policymakers, along with the media and general public,” she says. “It’s an honor to serve in this leadership role.”

APLU’s mission is designed to expand access and improve student success to deliver the innovative workforce of tomorrow; advance and promote research and discovery to improve society, foster economic growth, and address global challenges; and build healthy, prosperous, equitable, and vibrant communities locally and globally.