Statement from UW-River Falls Chancellor Van Galen on the University of Wisconsin System Budget Proposal

August 22, 2014—Yesterday, University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross presented a biennial budget proposal focused on developing the "talent and ideas to improve Wisconsin's economy and impact the world." President Cross' budget proposal and the associated Talent Development Initiative set a vision that is positive for the State of Wisconsin and congruent with the strategic direction of UW-River Falls. 

The UW-River Falls strategic plan, Pathway to Distinction, contains three strategic goals: Distinctive Academic Excellence; Global Education and Engagement; and Innovation and Partnerships. The already robust efforts underway to support each of these goals would be greatly enhanced and expanded if the budget proposed by President Cross is supported by the State. 

President Cross' budget and vision would create smoother talent paths to help people prepare for and complete a college education, provide the resources needed to prepare individuals for opportunities in Wisconsin's economy, and build partnerships with the public and private sectors to build a talent-based economy. Through initiatives such as the St. Croix Valley Educational Collaborative, adult degree programs at the UW-River Falls Hudson Center, and the Center for Innovation and Business Development, UW-River Falls has been making great strides in talent development and economic partnerships, and welcomes the positive impacts that would result from greater financial support and state-wide collaboration. Dean Van Galen Chancellor University of Wisconsin-River Falls