Wiley gratified, humbled to lead UW-Madison

John Wiley says he is gratified and humbled to be chosen as the next chancellor of the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

“It’s gratifying because I think this happens to be a very propitious time for UW–Madison. It’s in wonderful shape in almost all respects,” Wiley, the current university provost, explained at a news conference Friday, Nov. 10.

“It’s also a humbling experience, though — especially as I look back over the predecessors who have led this institution and realize that I’m now expected to join that line.”

Wiley’s selection was announced following a unanimous vote by the UW System Board of Regents. He will succeed outgoing Chancellor David Ward Jan. 1.

Wiley says he views his selection as a vote of confidence by the board and the regent and campus search committees in the university’s strategic direction for the future.

“If you want to know what to expect next, you don’t need to look much further than the plans that we already have in place and the document ‘Targeting Tomorrow,’ which has been very carefully crafted over the last two years with massive input from faculty staff and students,” Wiley stressed.

“This document contains the seeds of our next strategic plan, and I believe it’s fair to say to the entire campus community that you’re going to see an absolutely seamless transition.”

As chancellor, Wiley says he will focus on continuing to improve undergraduate education, continued excellence and dominance in university research, and increased university service to the state of Wisconsin. He says he will also keep working to curb high-risk drinking among students, an effort he began as provost.

The biggest challenges facing the next chancellor, Wiley added, include wrestling with the complexities of the state personnel system and renovating and replacing many aging campus buildings.

UW System President Katharine Lyall said at the news conference that Wiley had exactly the right set of skills for the job.

“He has this wonderful combined background from business … and such a strong leadership track record in academia,” Lyall told reporters.

“Given the thrust that the university system is making to help the state move into the new Wisconsin economy, it seemed to us that this was just exactly the right combination of characteristics and experiences to help us move forward with the kinds of partnerships we need to have for the future.”

Lyall expressed her deep appreciation to outgoing Chancellor Ward, who, she said, “is leaving this institution in such wonderful shape academically, physically, fiscally fit. It’s really a wonderful gift and legacy to leave to our next chancellor.”

Gov. Tommy Thompson on Friday praised the selection of Wiley as chancellor.

“John has done an excellent job as the university’s provost, dean and faculty member, and he will no doubt be effective in his new role as chancellor,” Thompson said in a statement.

“John has been and will continue to be a hands-on leader who is extremely active in the university, city and state communities. I look forward to working with him, especially on the biotechnology initiatives that will lead the university and the state of Wisconsin to the forefront of this emerging field.”

Wiley’s keen sense of humor and dry wit were also on display at the news conference, held in the UW System Administration offices at Van Hise Hall.

When asked by a reporter what current responsibilities as provost he will be glad to give up as chancellor, he dryly noted: “Cutting the grass and raking the leaves.”