The only internal candidate selected as a finalist for University of Wisconsin chancellor said Monday his love for the university and desire to bring about meaningful change make him the best fit for the job.

Gary Sandefur, the current dean of the College of Letters and Sciences, spoke at two forums on campus Monday. Sandefur has served as dean since 2004 and began as a sociology professor at UW since 1984.

While two other finalists have UW ties, Sandefur is the only one currently working in Madison.

“One strength of an internal candidate such as myself is that I have been here for 24 years and I know this institution fairly well, and I know a lot of people in it who I’ve worked with,” Sandefur said.

However, Sandefur acknowledged the Board of Regents might be looking for someone from outside UW with a different set of experiences.

Regardless of the outcome, Sandefur said he will stay at UW and hopes to finish his career here. He said all of the candidates are qualified and he would look forward to working with any one of them. 

As chancellor, Sandefur said he would like to ensure UW continues its reputation as a strong research institution, making sure “faculty and staff have resources and opportunities they need to do first-class research.”

He also desires to improve the overall undergraduate experience in Madison.

“The people who come here are very talented, and many of them go on to leadership positions in various kinds of business or in their communities in government in journalism and elsewhere,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to train the best leaders we can.”

Outgoing chancellor John Wiley had a rocky relationship with some state legislators, and Sandefur said he hopes to maintain regular contact with lawmakers at the other end of State Street, emphasizing his overall goal of building relationships.

Such relationships are also essential with potential donors, Sandefur said. As dean, Sandefur said he spends about 30 percent of his time fundraising and he expects that figure to rise to about 50 percent if he becomes chancellor.

Sandefur also pledged to continue enhancing diversity on campus and try to retain faculty by emphasizing the environment, research support and programs UW offers.

During his time at UW, Sandefur has also served as associate vice chancellor for academic affairs, interim provost and director of the American Indian Studies Program

Cornell University Provost Biddy Martin will visit campus tomorrow, appearing at a public forum from 1:30-3 at the Main Lounge of Memorial Union and a student reception from 4-5:30 at the On Wisconsin Room in the Red Gym.

See badgerherald.com all week for updates on the candidates’ visits and video coverage of their press conferences.