Committee begins search for chancellor

The search for the next chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison began with a 25-member search and screen committee meeting Wednesday. 

University of Wisconsin System President Kevin P. Reilly appointed the committee Sept. 24. 

The committee, chaired by history professor David McDonald, consists of 13 UW–Madison faculty members, two academic staff members, two classified staff members, two students, one campus dean, one UW System Administration representative and four community representatives. 

“We need someone who recognizes the excellence of this institution, the strength of its reputation and unique culture,” McDonald said. “They will also see the opportunity for building on our traditional strengths and creating new ones.”

The timetable calls for the committee to identify no fewer than five qualified candidates in February. The list of finalists will then be presented to the Special Committee and Reilly who will make the recommendation to the full Board of Regents. It is expected that the regents will vote in April on Interim Chancellor David Ward’s successor. The new chancellor would then begin July 1, 2013. 

The pay range is $369,900 to $452,100, although Reilly said that an increase in that range could be presented to the Board of Regents this fall to make the position more competitive. Ward receives $437,000 per year. 

The committee approved a job description that will be reviewed by the Special Regent Committee Friday. 

Reilly encouraged committee members to consider both internal and external candidates and to be inclusive in the initial search portion of the process. 

“You all represent different disciplines, jobs and functions,” Reilly told the committee. “The chancellor has to represent them all and more.” 

Several campus and community forums will be part of the process with social media also playing a role in keeping people informed. People may also visit http://chancellorsearch.wisc.edu.

“I’m looking for a leader who is really engaged in the undergraduate experience, especially because this is a public institution,” said Cody Ostenson, a junior majoring in English who is part of the committee. “The new chancellor will represent the state of Wisconsin and need to be able to encourage students to want to come here and make sure they leave here proud.” 

Reilly said the next chancellor needs to have an appreciation for the academic culture of the university, shared governance and be a good communicator. 

“This is a 24-7 job,” Reilly said. “This is a public institution and a very public job. The chancellor is a public figure in the state and around the world.”