Last month, deep into the University of Wisconsin’s drive toward greater independence, Chancellor Biddy Martin momentarily ground things to a halt with her resignation, essentially dropping us on the curb before rerouting east for Amherst College. We were left scrambling in a volatile political environment on the eve of one of the greatest operational shifts this university has ever seen.

And yet, as we reflected back on Martin’s short three years as chancellor, it was immediately obvious they will be remembered as positive ones for the university. Though Martin is leaving, she has begun a necessary discussion that will continue to dominate the campus for semesters to come. While her New Badger Partnership may never be seen as a triumph, her true successes cannot be denied.

When Martin arrived on campus, she said among her top priorities were faculty recruitment and retention, affordability for students and easy access to education for young people around the state. These have been evident in her every move.

The Madison Initiative for Undergraduates raised $40 million, half of which went to need based aid, the other half going toward underfunded campus services that directly affect students. MIU allowed UW to hire more than 80 new faculty and staff members, allocate more than $1.5 million to revamp the advising program and open up more spaces in high-demand classes.

Martin will also be remembered for her visibility and reputation among students. She personally reached out to lawmakers and invited UW’s scholars and organizations into her home. Late in 2009, she became the first chancellor in more than 55 years to cancel school for the day due to snow, and then followed with another snow day a little more than a year later. Martin was at the top of Bascom Hill surveying snowball fights on both of the days, receiving personal thanks from students.

Not everything Martin has done is remembered with such enthusiasm. We remain unconvinced of the necessity for a restructuring of the graduate school, which was thankfully put on hold in 2010 until more research is done. The New Badger Partnership has also led to deep fractures between students, UW System schools and the Legislature.

This, paired with her untimely departure, has set her predecessor up for an immense about of work to answer these questions and unite the campus. While these will without a doubt persist as a part of her legacy, they should not detract from the good Martin has done for our school.

We have been lucky to have a chancellor who puts so much focus and attention on speaking directly to students, whether joking around or holding a full-scale discussion on campus policy. We are convinced the students of Amherst will grow to love and appreciate her as we do.

Chancellor Martin, this board thanks you for your three years representing us as chancellor and wishes you the greatest luck as president of Amherst College. Bye bye, Biddy.

Now, who wants to give us a ride?