The University of Wisconsin hired a Capitol insider as the Madison campus’ new liaison to the state of Wisconsin Legislature.

Don Nelson, a legislative staff veteran serving the past seven years in Wisconsin representative’s offices, will now be the mouthpiece of UW administrators to the state’s elected officials as the newly named assistant director of state relations.

“I’ll be lobbying on behalf of Madison,” said Nelson, adding he would not describe himself as a lobbyist. “I’m not as much of a lobbyist, but more of an educator. I think a lot of people don’t know the value of Madison.”

Nelson added that most of his days will be spent in meetings at the Capitol, explaining the needs of the university to state lawmakers.

Nelson has developed several relationships with Wisconsin’s lawmakers throughout his career. In particular, Nelson has a special tie with his former employer, chair of the Joint Committee on Finance Dean Kaufert, R-Neenah, who, according to Nelson, “holds all the purse strings.”

“I have a lot of connections left at the Capitol,” Nelson said. “It’s my hope to have access with those legislators I’ve had relationships with.”

Casey Nagy, executive assistant to Chancellor John Wiley and director of state relations, also hopes Nelson’s relationships with state officials will serve him as the university’s legislative liaison.

“Don’s career at the state Capitol has given him great insights into the inner workings of state government and the UW system,” Nagy said in a release. “His existing relationships with decision makers at the Capitol will be extremely helpful as the university works with state government to grow the economy and increase opportunities for students.”

Nelson said UW’s impact on Wisconsin’s economy is the sticking point he wishes to impress on state legislators.

“One of the biggest things I want to improve is the image of the university with the legislature,” Nelson said, adding that UW contributes to job growth, job development and improves the Wisconsin economy through innovation and talented individuals entering the work force.

“[The] university has changed with the economy,” Nelson said.

Nelson would also help legislators get proper UW sources for bills on technical issues, such as stem-cell research.

Professor emeritus in education administration Dean Bowles said state departments hiring lobbyists to testify for state moneys at the Capitol is a standard operating procedure.

“Almost every state agency has someone working in this capacity,” Bowles said, emphasizing the necessity of the university having a legislative liaison to attend hearings and maintain contacts.

Bowles also disputed the argument that the university’s money, subsidized in part by state dollars, should not be used to pay a liaison to lobby state legislators for state tax dollars, stating the need for someone in tune with UW’s needs to lobby at the state level.

“You don’t want to see the chancellor at the Capitol day in and day out.”

Nelson, who will be paid an annual salary of $52,470, said he hopes to keep the state dollars flowing into the university.

“My hope is to maintain a level [of funding] consistent with the university’s mission.”