Comments from campus leaders on John Wiley

Here’s a sampling of remarks from campus leaders regarding the selection of John Wiley as chancellor:

Mike Dean, chair, Associated Students of Madison: “I look forward to working with Provost Wiley on some of the major challenges that face the university: diversity, high-risk drinking and quality education. Improving diversity needs to be the No. 1 priority of the university. I plan on working with Provost Wiley to make sure it is.”

Bernice Durand, physics professor; chair, UW–Madison Chancellor Search and Screen Committee: “It is safe to say that John Wiley has the most comprehensive and deep knowledge of our campus of any person here. Many people nominated him and many more wrote to tell us how highly they regarded him. Our search consultant, who also received several nominations and endorsements of John Wiley, told us it is very rare for a person who has been in his position for so many years to generate nearly 100 percent positive comments.”

Wilton Sanders, senior scientist, physics; chair, Academic Staff Executive Committee: “John Wiley is an extremely capable administrator, of course, but he is also a very fair person. He listens well. He is a collaborative leader. He understands the traditions of this institution and how it works, but he also has a vision of how it ought to work, and he takes steps to make those things possible. … I have been particularly encouraged by his awareness of the need for more professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.”

Tom Sharkey, botany professor and Biotron director; chair, University Committee: “Provost Wiley is highly respected for his insight into the workings of the university. He has helped communicate to the community the renewed dedication to undergraduate students by the faculty while at the same time keeping a very high priority on UW–Madison’s outstanding position among research universities. He is very easy to talk to and is willing to share his ideas about controversial topics while leaving governance committees free to come to other conclusions. Provost Wiley understands the university’s system of shared governance and is likely to be a very effective leader within this system.”

David Ward, chancellor: “John and I have worked together for many years, and I am confident that he will bring a steady and creative hand to the helm of one of the nation’s finest public research universities. John’s wealth of experience, knowledge of higher education, and commitment to UW–Madison will serve him well in leading the university into the 21st century. I wish him the very best in the future.”

Katharine Lyall, UW System president: “I think John will be especially effective, given his experience as a UW–Madison student, faculty member, dean and senior administrator. He has literally seen the institution from every vantage point. I am also confident that he will provide leadership in our ongoing efforts to increase collaboration among all UW System institutions.”

Jay Smith, president, Board of Regents: “John is the right leader for UW–Madison at this time. He is committed to the students and he is respected by the faculty and staff. He was also intimately involved in the design and implementation the Madison Initiative, a creative plan for sustaining UW–Madison’s stature among its peer universities.”