Tommy Thompson on Wisconsin`s higher education crossroads


Tommy Thompson on Wisconsin`s higher education crossroads
Tommy Thompson Former governor and UW System president Most University of Wisconsin System schools face budget deficits and enrollment is down with demographic shifts leaving fewer young students at the 26 campuses, particularly the 13 two-year campuses. There’s also the Wisconsin Technical College System, which consists of 16 two-year schools. Thompson said costs and inefficiencies between the two higher education systems must be addressed urgently. Meanwhile, the state Legislature cut $32 million from the UW budget to eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and Thompson said he agreed there are too many positions dedicated to that work. Thompson: “When you take a look at the affirmative action opinion that came out of the Supreme Court this week, it’s obvious that maybe the university has got to come to grips with the fact that they’re going to have to work with the Legislature. I’m not saying one side is right and the other side is wrong, but I’m saying cooperation and leadership and discussion is what is needed. And I don’t think there’s enough of that.”... ...more
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Tommy Thompson
Former governor and UW System president

Most University of Wisconsin System schools face budget deficits and enrollment is down with demographic shifts leaving fewer young students at the 26 campuses, particularly the 13 two-year campuses. There’s also the Wisconsin Technical College System, which consists of 16 two-year schools. Thompson said costs and inefficiencies between the two higher education systems must be addressed urgently. Meanwhile, the state Legislature cut $32 million from the UW budget to eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and Thompson said he agreed there are too many positions dedicated to that work.
Thompson: “When you take a look at the affirmative action opinion that came out of the Supreme Court this week, it’s obvious that maybe the university has got to come to grips with the fact that they’re going to have to work with the Legislature. I’m not saying one side is right and the other side is wrong, but I’m saying cooperation and leadership and discussion is what is needed. And I don’t think there’s enough of that.”...