UW-Manitowoc announces new leadership team

It’s been several months since Cathy Sandeen, chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension, began announcing four regional leadership teams for the 13 campuses of the UW Colleges.

Those announcements began a series of personal and professional changes for former UW-Manitowoc CEO/Dean Charles Clark and me as we transition to the new administrative model and now begin the spring semester.

The UW Colleges’ regional model brings three of the two-year campuses in the area — UW-Fond du Lac, UW-Fox Valley and UW-Manitowoc — under one administrative leadership team. The administrative functions at these campuses were consolidated in response to an approximately $5 million cut in state funding after carefully studying ways to address the budget reduction while protecting the educational experience for our students.

Under this new model, students will continue to find the same locally-based student life experiences they have come to expect and appreciate. They will also still find professors dedicated to freshman and sophomore undergraduate teaching. The commitment by our faculty and staff to the core mission of providing access to an exceptional UW education at an affordable cost remains undiminished.

We value the continuing partnership between Manitowoc County and the state that makes affordable education possible. An educated workforce has a direct impact on the local and regional economies. UW-Manitowoc alumni often stay in the area and become community leaders. They are our teachers, physicians, engineers, nurses, accountants, business owners and much more.

Looking ahead this spring, we are excited to host College Goal WI 2016 at 6 p.m. Feb. 24. UW-Manitowoc is one of 33 locations across the state taking part in this program designed to address the needs of low-income and first-generation college students who are completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing the FAFSA is an important first step for our students seeking financial aid.

I am proud to be a part of a skilled and experienced leadership team for the UW Colleges Northeast Region as we look for new opportunities to support our students and contribute to the local community. At UW-Manitowoc, regional associate dean for student affairs and enrollment management Carla Rabe is also serving as the campus administrator. She will manage daily operations of the UW-Manitowoc campus and also lead student services functions for the three campuses in the region. She was previously the assistant campus dean for student affairs at UW-Fox Valley.

This reorganization means we are also, unfortunately, saying goodbye to several valued colleagues. This transition has been a difficult time for the individuals affected by layoffs and staff reductions. We are very appreciative of their service and their dedication to our campus and our community.

I would also like to thank former UW-Manitowoc Dean Charles Clark for his leadership and for his support during this transition period. I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and finding new ways to contribute to the economic success of the Manitowoc area and the entire Northeast Wisconsin region.

Martin Rudd is the regional executive officer and dean for the UW Colleges Northeast Region.