Regents focusing on 7 ‘think tanks’

by Carl Jaeger

Monday, October 8, 2007 00:00

RIVER FALLS — Although the lack of a state budget was the top priority for the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents during its monthly meeting Friday, the board also discussed the process of Advantage Wisconsin and a presentation on the host campus.

Advantage Wisconsin, which was first brought up two months ago, is a plan for seven groups of people to strengthen and improve the UW System in seven vital areas, according to UW System Senior Vice President Don Mash.

"Advantage Wisconsin captures the response of UW System campuses across Wisconsin to the state's urgent need to revitalize its economy, better educate its residents and strengthen its communities," Mash said. "Advantage Wisconsin will enhance the success of the state's businesses, residents and students in an increasingly global, multicultural and competitive world."

The seven "think tanks," which consist of experts from around the UW System and community, focus on various areas, including preparing students, increasing graduates and building stronger communities, Mash said.

Regent President Mark Bradley said he was pleased with the efficiency of the program.

"I called for the strategic planning process just two months ago, and we already have these members of these seven think tanks," Bradley said.

Bradley added working quickly is important, as the Board of Regents "can't be talking about the strategic plan for an entire year."

"If you look at the timeline on this, the report coming back to the board from the think tanks is scheduled for February of ‘08," Bradley said. "The reason that President Reilly and I have stressed that this really needs to move on a fast track is that we have to get ready for 08-09."

Regent Vice President Chuck Pruitt said he also approved of Advantage Wisconsin's progress.

"I think it’s moving along, and I think the board is feeling comfortable about the fact that it's part of a lot of things that are going on," Pruitt said. "This is going to provide some additional options and some additional big picture thinking."

The regents also heard a presentation on UW-River Falls, the host university, which included the university's plans to become a more environmentally conscious campus.

"We are working with all kinds of communities, nonprofit organizations, K-12 schools, to promote a much more sustainable environment in this part of the state, which is a naturally disposed direction anyway," UW-River Falls Chancellor Don Betz said. "We have a very important partner in doing this, which is the Wisconsin Public Power Company."

Betz said the university plans to become energy neutral by 2012 by not only energy conservation, but also production of its own energy, including wind power.

Regents also toured the UW-River Falls campus and had a breakfast with student leaders.

Pruitt said the campus was filled with "great students, great leadership and great faculty."

"I think this has been two of the best days that we've spent as regents," Pruitt said. "The campus just has been terrific in terms of opening themselves up to us and showing an awful lot of what's going on."

Bradley agreed, calling UW-River Falls "phenomenal."