University of Wisconsin System: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|System of public universities in Wisconsin}}
{{short description|System of public universities in Wisconsin}}
{{use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox university
{{Infobox university
  | name                  = University of Wisconsin System
  | name                  = University of Wisconsin System
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  | endowment              = $738.5 million (2021)<ref>As of June 30, 2021. {{cite report |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/research/2021-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--REVISED-February-18-2022.ashx?la=en&hash=FA57411CC4244B7D49C25377165FEC42FFBDEB56 |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2021 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY20 to FY21 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=2022 |access-date=December 17, 2022}}</ref>
  | endowment              = $738.5 million (2021)<ref>As of June 30, 2021. {{cite report |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/research/2021-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--REVISED-February-18-2022.ashx?la=en&hash=FA57411CC4244B7D49C25377165FEC42FFBDEB56 |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2021 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY20 to FY21 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and [[TIAA]] |date=2022 |access-date=December 17, 2022}}</ref>
  | budget                = $7.53 billion (2023–24)<ref name="2023-24 Budget">{{Cite web|url=https://www.news8000.com/news/education/uw-system-board-of-regents-approves-operating-budget-amid-some-campus-deficits/article_789c30f6-422d-11ee-a94f-4b5336f8e8b9.html|last=Kosirowski|first=Ken|title=UW System Board of Regents approves operating budget amid some campus deficits |publisher=[[WKBT-TV]]|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref>
  | budget                = $7.53 billion (2023–24)<ref name="2023-24 Budget">{{Cite web|url=https://www.news8000.com/news/education/uw-system-board-of-regents-approves-operating-budget-amid-some-campus-deficits/article_789c30f6-422d-11ee-a94f-4b5336f8e8b9.html|last=Kosirowski|first=Ken|title=UW System Board of Regents approves operating budget amid some campus deficits |publisher=[[WKBT-TV]]|date=August 24, 2023|access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref>
  | president              = Jay Rothman<ref>{{cite web |title=UW System President |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/president/ |website=UW System |date=31 May 2020 |access-date=25 March 2022}}</ref>
  | president              = Jay Rothman<ref>{{cite web |title=UW System President |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/president/ |website=UW System |date=May 31, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2022}}</ref>
  | city                  = [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]]
  | city                  = [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]]
  | state                  = [[Wisconsin]]
  | state                  = [[Wisconsin]]
  | country                = United States
  | country                = United States
  | enrollment            = 160,782<ref name="Enrollment">{{cite web|url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/education-reports-statistics/enrollments/|title=Enrollments|date=30 June 2020 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System|access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref>
  | enrollment            = 160,782<ref name="Enrollment">{{cite web|url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/education-reports-statistics/enrollments/|title=Enrollments|date=June 30, 2020 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System|access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref>
  | undergrad              = 135,263
  | undergrad              = 135,263
  | postgrad              = 25,519
  | postgrad              = 25,519
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}}
}}


The '''University of Wisconsin System'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009-11 285 UWS Executive Budget: University of Wisconsin System |url=https://doa.wi.gov/budget/SBO/2009-11%20285%20UWS%20Executive%20Budget.pdf |access-date=May 31, 2025 |website=State of Wisconsin Department of Administration}}</ref>{{Efn|Since 2023, the system has marketed itself as "'''Universities of Wisconsin'''", while leaving its legal name as University of Wisconsin System.}} is a state public [[university system]] in the [[United States|U.S.]] state of [[Wisconsin]]. It is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, enrolling more than 160,000 [[university student|students]] each year and employing approximately 41,000 faculty and staff statewide.<ref name="Enrollment"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Faculty & Staff |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/accountability/faculty-and-staff/ |access-date=2023-12-31 |website=Universities of Wisconsin}}</ref> The system is headquartered in the state capital of [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]].
The '''University of Wisconsin System'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009-11 285 UWS Executive Budget: University of Wisconsin System |url=https://doa.wi.gov/budget/SBO/2009-11%20285%20UWS%20Executive%20Budget.pdf |access-date=May 31, 2025 |website=State of Wisconsin Department of Administration}}</ref>{{Efn|Since 2023, the system has marketed itself as "'''Universities of Wisconsin'''", while leaving its legal name as University of Wisconsin System.}} is a state public [[university system]] in the [[United States|U.S.]] state of [[Wisconsin]]. It is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, enrolling more than 160,000 [[university student|students]] each year and employing approximately 41,000 faculty and staff statewide.<ref name="Enrollment"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Faculty & Staff |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/accountability/faculty-and-staff/ |access-date=December 31, 2023 |website=Universities of Wisconsin}}</ref> The system is headquartered in the state capital of [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]].


The University of Wisconsin System comprises two major [[doctoral]] research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses. At its peak, the system had 14 two-year colleges, of which six have since been shut down. When comparing state and local funding per student given to two-year institutions, Wisconsin ranked 4th in the nation in 2023. This was in contrast to four-year institutions where Wisconsin ranked 42nd. <ref>{{Cite web |title=State Higher Education Finance (SHEF) Report|url=https://shef.sheeo.org/report/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=State Higher Education Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>
The University of Wisconsin System comprises two major [[doctoral]] research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses. At its peak, the system had 14 two-year colleges, of which six have since been shut down. When comparing state and local funding per student given to two-year institutions, Wisconsin ranked 4th in the nation in 2023. This was in contrast to four-year institutions where Wisconsin ranked 42nd.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State Higher Education Finance (SHEF) Report|url=https://shef.sheeo.org/report/ |access-date=March 30, 2025 |website=State Higher Education Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
{{Refimprove-section|date=October 2023}}
{{Refimprove-section|date=October 2023}}
The present-day University of Wisconsin System was created on October 11, 1971, by Chapter 100, Laws of 1971, which combined the former University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State Universities systems into an enlarged University of Wisconsin System. The final legislation passed in May 1974, combining two chapters of the Wisconsin statutes. The merger took effect July 9, 1974.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2003-01-01 |title=University of Wisconsin System Overview |url=https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lfb/informational_papers/january_2003/0036_university_of_wisconsin_system_overview_informational_paper_36.pdf |access-date=2025-03-30 |author=John Stott |language=en}}</ref>
The present-day University of Wisconsin System was created on October 11, 1971, by Chapter 100, Laws of 1971, which combined the former University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State Universities systems into an enlarged University of Wisconsin System. The final legislation passed in May 1974, combining two chapters of the Wisconsin statutes. The merger took effect July 9, 1974.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2003 |title=University of Wisconsin System Overview |url=https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/misc/lfb/informational_papers/january_2003/0036_university_of_wisconsin_system_overview_informational_paper_36.pdf |access-date=March 30, 2025 |author=John Stott |language=en}}</ref>


=== Former University of Wisconsin ===
=== Former University of Wisconsin ===
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In 1956, pressed by the growing demand for a large public university that offered graduate programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city, Wisconsin lawmakers merged [[Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee]] (WSCM) and the [[University of Wisconsin–Extension]]'s Milwaukee division as the [[University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee]]. The new campus comprised the WSCM campus near the lakefront and the UW extension in downtown Milwaukee.
In 1956, pressed by the growing demand for a large public university that offered graduate programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city, Wisconsin lawmakers merged [[Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee]] (WSCM) and the [[University of Wisconsin–Extension]]'s Milwaukee division as the [[University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee]]. The new campus comprised the WSCM campus near the lakefront and the UW extension in downtown Milwaukee.


Starting in the 1940s, freshman-sophomore centers were opened across the state. In 1968, the [[Green Bay, Wisconsin|Green Bay]] center was upgraded to a full-fledged four-year institution as the [[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay]], while the [[Kenosha, Wisconsin|Kenosha]] and [[Racine, Wisconsin|Racine]] centers were merged as the [[University of Wisconsin–Parkside]]. By 1971, the University of Wisconsin system had campuses at Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Kenosha/[[Somers, Wisconsin|Somers]], together with 10 freshman-sophomore centers and the statewide [[University of Wisconsin–Extension]].<ref name="History">[http://www.wisconsin.edu/about/history.htm History and Organization of the University of Wisconsin System] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070202182105/http://www.wisconsin.edu/about/history.htm |date=2007-02-02 }}. Retrieved on 2007-02-18.</ref> The total enrollment of the University of Wisconsin system at that time was 69,554. The [[Governing boards of colleges and universities in the United States|Board of Regents]] of the University of Wisconsin system comprise ten members, nine of whom were appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for nine-year terms. The tenth was the [[Superintendent of Public Instruction of Wisconsin|State Superintendent of Public Instruction]], who served ''[[ex officio]]'' on both the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State University boards.
Starting in the 1940s, freshman-sophomore centers were opened across the state. In 1968, the [[Green Bay, Wisconsin|Green Bay]] center was upgraded to a full-fledged four-year institution as the [[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay]], while the [[Kenosha, Wisconsin|Kenosha]] and [[Racine, Wisconsin|Racine]] centers were merged as the [[University of Wisconsin–Parkside]]. By 1971, the University of Wisconsin system had campuses at Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Kenosha/[[Somers, Wisconsin|Somers]], together with 10 freshman-sophomore centers and the statewide [[University of Wisconsin–Extension]].<ref name="History">[http://www.wisconsin.edu/about/history.htm History and Organization of the University of Wisconsin System] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070202182105/http://www.wisconsin.edu/about/history.htm |date=February 2, 2007 }}. Retrieved on February 18, 2007.</ref> The total enrollment of the University of Wisconsin system at that time was 69,554. The [[Governing boards of colleges and universities in the United States|Board of Regents]] of the University of Wisconsin system comprise ten members, nine of whom were appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for nine-year terms. The tenth was the [[Superintendent of Public Instruction of Wisconsin|State Superintendent of Public Instruction]], who served ''[[ex officio]]'' on both the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State University boards.


=== Former Wisconsin State Universities ===
=== Former Wisconsin State Universities ===
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=== 2018 restructuring ===
=== 2018 restructuring ===
In October 2017, University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross publicly proposed restructuring the University of Wisconsin System to bring the UW Colleges under the control of their nearest comprehensive university, creating regional two-year campuses within the system.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Wisconsin merger plan stokes controversy, but some see upside |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/10/13/wisconsin-merger-plan-stokes-controversy-some-see-upside |access-date=2017-10-21 |website=Inside Higher Ed}}</ref> The proposal also included splitting UW–Extension between University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Wisconsin System administration. [[University of Wisconsin Colleges Online]], which was operating as an additional campus of University of Wisconsin Colleges, would be relocated under University of Wisconsin System administration. Cross announced this proposal without consulting shared governance groups or administrators. System administration argued that the merger would save money.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url= http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2017/10/10/uw-system-propose-merging-two-and-four-year-campuses-cut-costs-raise-graduation-numbers/751622001/|title=UW System will propose merging two- and four-year campuses to cut costs, raise graduation numbers|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|access-date=2017-10-21|language=en}}</ref> Critics said the merger was being rushed without input from the campuses and that the system was buckling to political pressure from the state.<ref name=":1" /> The proposal was approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents in their November 2017 meeting, and implementation began July 1, 2018.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpr.org/uw-regents-approve-merging-system-campuses|title=UW Regents Approve Merging System Campuses|website=[[Wisconsin Public Radio]]|date=9 November 2017|language=en|access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref>
In October 2017, University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross publicly proposed restructuring the University of Wisconsin System to bring the UW Colleges under the control of their nearest comprehensive university, creating regional two-year campuses within the system.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Wisconsin merger plan stokes controversy, but some see upside |url=https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/10/13/wisconsin-merger-plan-stokes-controversy-some-see-upside |access-date=October 21, 2017 |website=Inside Higher Ed}}</ref> The proposal also included splitting UW–Extension between University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Wisconsin System administration. [[University of Wisconsin Colleges Online]], which was operating as an additional campus of University of Wisconsin Colleges, would be relocated under University of Wisconsin System administration. Cross announced this proposal without consulting shared governance groups or administrators. System administration argued that the merger would save money.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url= http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/education/2017/10/10/uw-system-propose-merging-two-and-four-year-campuses-cut-costs-raise-graduation-numbers/751622001/|title=UW System will propose merging two- and four-year campuses to cut costs, raise graduation numbers|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]|access-date=October 21, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Critics said the merger was being rushed without input from the campuses and that the system was buckling to political pressure from the state.<ref name=":1" /> The proposal was approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents in their November 2017 meeting, and implementation began July 1, 2018.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wpr.org/uw-regents-approve-merging-system-campuses|title=UW Regents Approve Merging System Campuses|website=[[Wisconsin Public Radio]]|date=November 9, 2017|language=en|access-date=November 19, 2017}}</ref>


=== 2023–present: Branch campus closures ===
=== 2023–present: Branch campus closures ===
{{Main|Closures of the University of Wisconsin branch campuses}}
{{Main|Closures of the University of Wisconsin branch campuses}}
In 2023, [[University of Wisconsin–Platteville Richland]] shut down, marking the first time a University of Wisconsin campus has closed since University of Wisconsin–Medford in 1980. Following this closure, [[Closures of the University of Wisconsin branch campuses|four other University of Wisconsin branch campuses have closed]]. Additionally, one campus has gone entirely online and another has stopped using several of its campus buildings. Many have expressed concerns about the future of the Wisconsin Idea following these closures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kremer |first=Rich |date=2024-04-25 |title=UW to vacate Richland campus 1 year after college classes ended |url=https://www.wpr.org/news/uw-vacate-richland-campus-college-classes-ended |access-date=2025-03-06 |website=WPR |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kremer |first1=Rich |date=November 22, 2022 |title=In-person classes ended at UW-Platteville Richland campus July 1 |url=https://www.wpr.org/uw-platteville-richland-campus-july-1-close-in-person |access-date=November 22, 2022 |work=[[Wisconsin Public Radio]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-13 |title=UW-Oshkosh to shut down Fox Cities campus amid enrollment plunge |url=https://apnews.com/article/uw-wisconsin-oshkosh-closing-81c25ab9b12226e45758095c20a9897d |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>
In 2023, [[University of Wisconsin–Platteville Richland]] shut down, marking the first time a University of Wisconsin campus has closed since University of Wisconsin–Medford in 1980. Following this closure, [[Closures of the University of Wisconsin branch campuses|four other University of Wisconsin branch campuses have closed]]. Additionally, one campus has gone entirely online and another has stopped using several of its campus buildings. Many have expressed concerns about the future of the Wisconsin Idea following these closures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kremer |first=Rich |date=April 25, 2024 |title=UW to vacate Richland campus 1 year after college classes ended |url=https://www.wpr.org/news/uw-vacate-richland-campus-college-classes-ended |access-date=March 6, 2025 |website=WPR |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kremer |first1=Rich |date=November 22, 2022 |title=In-person classes ended at UW-Platteville Richland campus July 1 |url=https://www.wpr.org/uw-platteville-richland-campus-july-1-close-in-person |access-date=November 22, 2022 |work=[[Wisconsin Public Radio]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2024 |title=UW-Oshkosh to shut down Fox Cities campus amid enrollment plunge |url=https://apnews.com/article/uw-wisconsin-oshkosh-closing-81c25ab9b12226e45758095c20a9897d |access-date=March 4, 2025 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref>


== Campuses ==
== Campuses ==
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!Campus
!Campus
!Founded
!Founded
! data-sort-type="number" |Enrollment<br>{{small|(Fall 2023)}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-30 |title=Enrollments |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/education-reports-statistics/enrollments/ |access-date=2024-12-16 |website=Education Reports & Statistics |language=en-US}}</ref>
! data-sort-type="number" |Enrollment<br>{{small|(Fall 2024)}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2020 |title=Enrollments |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/education-reports-statistics/enrollments/ |access-date=October 21, 2025 |website=Universities of Wisconsin Education Reports & Statistics |language=en-US}}</ref>
!Endowment<br>{{small|(2021–22)}}<br>{{small|(millions)}}<ref>As of June 30, 2021. {{cite web |year=2021 |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY21 to FY22 |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/research/2022-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--FINAL.ashx?la=en&hash=362DC3F9BDEB1DF0C22B05D544AD24D1C44E318D |access-date=2023-05-31 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and Commonfund Institute}}</ref>
!Endowment<br>{{small|(2021–22)}}<br>{{small|(millions)}}<ref>As of June 30, 2021. {{cite web |year=2021 |title=U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Endowment Market Value and Change in Endowment Market Value from FY21 to FY22 |url=https://www.nacubo.org/-/media/Nacubo/Documents/research/2022-NTSE-Public-Tables--Endowment-Market-Values--FINAL.ashx?la=en&hash=362DC3F9BDEB1DF0C22B05D544AD24D1C44E318D |access-date=May 31, 2023 |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers and Commonfund Institute}}</ref>
!Athletic affiliation
!Athletic affiliation
!Athletic nickname<br><small>(Conference)</small>
!Athletic nickname<br><small>(Conference)</small>
! data-sort-type="number" |''[[U.S. News & World Report|U.S. News]]'' Rank<br>([[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] 2024)<ref>{{cite web |year=2023 |title=Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-midwest?_sort=rank&_sortDirection=asc |access-date=October 17, 2023 |magazine=U.S. News & World Report}}</ref>
! data-sort-type="number" |''[[U.S. News & World Report|U.S. News]]'' Rank<br>([[Midwestern United States|Midwest]] 2026)<ref>{{cite web |year=2026 |title=Best Regional Universities Midwest Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/regional-universities-midwest?_sort=rank&_sortDirection=asc |access-date=October 21, 2025 |magazine=U.S. News & World Report}}</ref>
! data-sort-type="number" |[[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education|Carnegie]] Classification<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Institutions |url=https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institutions/ |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=[[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
! data-sort-type="number" |[[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education|Carnegie<br>Classification]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisconsin Institutions |url=https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institutions/ |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=[[Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education]] |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|-
|[[File:UW-Bascom Hall 10-12-2011 066 (6937357125).jpg|130x130px]]  
|[[File:UW-Bascom Hall 10-12-2011 066 (6937357125).jpg|130x130px]]  
[[University of Wisconsin–Madison|'''Madison''']]
[[University of Wisconsin–Madison|'''Madison''']]
|1848
|1848
|50,335
|51,791
|{{nts|4,000.0|prefix=$}}
|{{nts|4,000.0|prefix=$}}
|[[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[NCAA Division I|D-I]]<br><small>([[Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]])</small>
|[[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[NCAA Division I|D-I]]<br><small>([[Football Bowl Subdivision|FBS]])</small>
|[[Wisconsin Badgers|Badgers]]<br><small>([[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]])</small>
|[[Wisconsin Badgers|Badgers]]<br><small>([[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]])</small>
|35 (national)
|data-sort-value="1"|36 (national)
|[[List of research universities in the United States#Universities classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity"|R1: Doctoral Universities<br>Very high research activity]]
|[[List of research universities in the United States#Universities classified as "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity"|R1: Doctoral Universities<br>Very high research activity]]
|-
|-
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'''[[University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee|Milwaukee]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee|Milwaukee]]'''
|1956
|1956
|22,703
|22,683
|{{nts|262.0|prefix=$}}
|{{nts|262.0|prefix=$}}
|NCAA D-I<br><small>(non-football)</small>
|NCAA D-I<br><small>(non-football)</small>
|[[Milwaukee Panthers|Panthers]]<br><small>([[Horizon League|Horizon]])</small>
|[[Milwaukee Panthers|Panthers]]<br><small>([[Horizon League|Horizon]])</small>
|332 (national)
|data-sort-value="2"|301 (national)
|R1: Doctoral Universities<br>Very high research activity
|R1: Doctoral Universities<br>Very high research activity
|-
|-
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'''[[University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh|Oshkosh]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh|Oshkosh]]'''
|1871
|1871
|13,778
|12,964
|{{nts|22.0|prefix=$}}
|{{nts|22.0|prefix=$}}
|NCAA [[NCAA Division III|D-III]]
|NCAA [[NCAA Division III|D-III]]
|[[Wisconsin–Oshkosh Titans|Titans]]<br><small>[[Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference|(WIAC)]]</small>
|[[Wisconsin–Oshkosh Titans|Titans]]<br><small>([[Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference|WIAC]])</small>
| nowrap="" |332 (national)
|data-sort-value="3"|352 (national)
|Doctoral Universities<br>Doctoral/Professional Universities
|Doctoral Universities<br>Doctoral/Professional Universities
|-
|-
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'''[[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater|Whitewater]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater|Whitewater]]'''
|1868
|1868
|11,522
|11,752
|
|
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks|Warhawks]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|[[Wisconsin–Whitewater Warhawks|Warhawks]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|43
|31
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|-
|[[File:UW-Green Bay Campus Photo.jpg|130x130px]]
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay|Green Bay]]'''
|1965
|11,188
|
|NCAA D-I<br><small>(non-football)</small>
|[[Green Bay Phoenix|Phoenix]]<br><small>(Horizon)</small>
|74
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|-
|-
|[[File:Morris Hall University of Wisconsin-La Crosse near Wing Tech Center Building.jpg|130x130px]]  
|[[File:Morris Hall University of Wisconsin-La Crosse near Wing Tech Center Building.jpg|130x130px]]  
'''[[University of Wisconsin–La Crosse|La Crosse]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–La Crosse|La Crosse]]'''
|1909
|1909
|10,275
|10,458
|{{nts|45.9|prefix=$}}
|{{nts|45.9|prefix=$}}
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–La Crosse Eagles|Eagles]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|[[Wisconsin–La Crosse Eagles|Eagles]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|249 (national)
|14
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|-
|-
Line 152: Line 163:
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire|Eau Claire]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire|Eau Claire]]'''
|1916
|1916
|9,949
|10,000
|{{nts|80.5|prefix=$}}
|{{nts|80.5|prefix=$}}
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–Eau Claire Blugolds|Blugolds]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|[[Wisconsin–Eau Claire Blugolds|Blugolds]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
| nowrap="" |21
|25
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|-
|[[File:UW-Green Bay Campus Photo.jpg|130x130px]]
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay|Green Bay]]'''
|1965
|10,338
|
|NCAA D-I<br><small>(non-football)</small>
|[[Green Bay Phoenix|Phoenix]]<br><small>(Horizon)</small>
|60
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|-
|-
Line 172: Line 173:
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point|Stevens Point]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point|Stevens Point]]'''
|1894
|1894
|8,184
|8,251
|
|
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–Stevens Point Pointers|Pointers]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|[[Wisconsin–Stevens Point Pointers|Pointers]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|47
|54
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|-
|-
Line 182: Line 183:
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Stout|Stout]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Stout|Stout]]'''
|1891
|1891
|6,938
|6,914
|{{nts|64.5|prefix=$}}
|{{nts|64.5|prefix=$}}
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–Stout Blue Devils|Blue Devils]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|[[Wisconsin–Stout Blue Devils|Blue Devils]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|67
|84
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|-
|-
Line 192: Line 193:
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Platteville|Platteville]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Platteville|Platteville]]'''
|1866
|1866
|6,700
|6,391
|
|
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–Platteville Pioneers|Pioneers]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|[[Wisconsin–Platteville Pioneers|Pioneers]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|67
|49
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Larger Programs
|-
|-
Line 202: Line 203:
'''[[University of Wisconsin–River Falls|River Falls]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–River Falls|River Falls]]'''
|1874
|1874
|5,058
|5,273
|
|
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–River Falls Falcons|Falcons]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|[[Wisconsin–River Falls Falcons|Falcons]]<br><small>(WIAC)</small>
|60
|54
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|-
|-
Line 212: Line 213:
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Parkside|Parkside]]'''<br>{{Small|([[Kenosha, Wisconsin|Kenosha]])}}
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Parkside|Parkside]]'''<br>{{Small|([[Kenosha, Wisconsin|Kenosha]])}}
|1968
|1968
|4,030
|3,948
|{{nts|5.6|prefix=$}}
|{{nts|5.6|prefix=$}}
|NCAA [[NCAA Division II|D-II]]
|NCAA [[NCAA Division II|D-II]]
|[[Parkside Rangers|Rangers]]<br><small>([[Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference|GLIAC]])</small>
|[[Parkside Rangers|Rangers]]<br><small>([[Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference|GLIAC]])</small>
|103
|118
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|-
|-
Line 222: Line 223:
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Superior|Superior]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Superior|Superior]]'''
|1893
|1893
|2,721
|2,823
|
|
|NCAA D-III
|NCAA D-III
|[[Wisconsin–Superior Yellowjackets|Yellowjackets]]<br><small>([[Upper Midwest Athletic Conference|UMAC]])</small>
|[[Wisconsin–Superior Yellowjackets|Yellowjackets]]<br><small>([[Upper Midwest Athletic Conference|UMAC]])</small>
|124
|135
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|Master's Universities<br>Medium Programs
|}
|}
Line 234: Line 235:


==== Current ====
==== Current ====
{{color box|#ffa0a0}} Set to close
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Campus
!Campus
!Parent<br>campus
!Parent<br>campus
!Founded
!Founded
! data-sort-type="number" |Enrollment<br>{{small|(Fall 2022)}}<ref name=Enrollment />
! data-sort-type="number" |Enrollment<br>{{small|(Fall 2024)}}<ref name=Enrollment />
!Athletic nickname<br><small>(Conference)</small>
!Athletic nickname<br><small>(Conference)</small>
|-
|[[File:WIMap-doton-Janesville.png|130x130px]]
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater at Rock County|Rock County]]'''<br>{{Small|([[Janesville, Wisconsin|Janesville]])}}
|[[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater|'''Whitewater''']]
|1966
|710
|Rattlers<br><small>([[NJCAA]])</small>
|-
|-
|[[File:WIMap-doton-Rice Lake.png|130x130px]]  
|[[File:WIMap-doton-Rice Lake.png|130x130px]]  
Line 245: Line 254:
|[[University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire|'''Eau Claire''']]
|[[University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire|'''Eau Claire''']]
|1966
|1966
|455
|535
|Blugolds
|Blugolds
|-bgcolor=#ffa0a0
|-
|-
|[[File:UniversityOfWisconsinManitowocEntranceJuly2007.jpg|130x130px]]  
|[[File:UniversityOfWisconsinManitowocEntranceJuly2007.jpg|130x130px]]  
Line 253: Line 261:
|[[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay|'''Green Bay''']]
|[[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay|'''Green Bay''']]
|1933
|1933
|373
|488
|Blue Devils
|Blue Devils
|-
|-
Line 260: Line 268:
|[[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay|'''Green Bay''']]
|[[University of Wisconsin–Green Bay|'''Green Bay''']]
|1933
|1933
|440
|439
|Wombats
|Wombats
|-
|-
|[[File:2009-0620-WI016-UWmarathon.jpg|130x130px]]
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point at Wausau|Wausau]]'''
|[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point|'''Stevens Point''']]
|1933
|265
|Huskies
|-bgcolor=#ffa0a0
|[[File:UW Baraboo 04 (Science Building).jpg|130x130px]]  
|[[File:UW Baraboo 04 (Science Building).jpg|130x130px]]  
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Platteville Baraboo Sauk County|Baraboo Sauk County]]'''
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Platteville Baraboo Sauk County|Baraboo Sauk County]]'''
|[[University of Wisconsin–Platteville|'''Platteville''']]
|[[University of Wisconsin–Platteville|'''Platteville''']]
|1968
|1968
|179
|178
|Fighting Spirits<br><small>(WCC)</small>
|Fighting Spirits<br><small>(WCSL)</small>
|-
|[[File:2009-0620-WI016-UWmarathon.jpg|130x130px]]
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point at Wausau|Wausau]]'''
|[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point|'''Stevens Point''']]
|1933
|404
|Huskies<br><small>(WCC)</small>
|-
|-
|[[File:UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield.jpg|130x130px]]  
|[[File:UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield.jpg|130x130px]]  
Line 281: Line 289:
|[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point|'''Stevens Point''']]
|[[University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point|'''Stevens Point''']]
|1963
|1963
|344
|156
|Marauders<br><small>(WCC)</small>
|Marauders<br><small>(WCSL)</small>
|-
|[[File:WIMap-doton-Janesville.png|130x130px]]
'''[[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater at Rock County|Rock County]]'''<br>{{Small|([[Janesville, Wisconsin|Janesville]])}}
|[[University of Wisconsin–Whitewater|'''Whitewater''']]
|1966
|593
|Rattlers
|}
|}


==== Former ====
==== Former ====
{{Main|Closures of the University of Wisconsin branch campuses}}
{{Further info|Closures of the University of Wisconsin branch campuses}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Campus
!Campus
Line 299: Line 300:
!Founded
!Founded
!Closed
!Closed
! data-sort-type="number" |Final<br>enrollment
! data-sort-type="number" |Final<br>enrollment<ref name=Enrollment/>
!Nickname
!Nickname
|-
|-
Line 307: Line 308:
|1933
|1933
|2025
|2025
|
|424
|Cyclones<br><small>[[Wisconsin Collegiate Conference|(WCC)]]</small>
|Cyclones<br><small>[[Wisconsin Collegiate Conference|(WCC)]]</small>
|-
|-
Line 315: Line 316:
|1935
|1935
|2025
|2025
|
|213
|Buccaneers
|Buccaneers
|-
|-
Line 323: Line 324:
|1966
|1966
|2025
|2025
|
|589
|Panthers
|Panthers
|-
|-
Line 339: Line 340:
|1968
|1968
|2024
|2024
|258
|252
|Falcons<br><small>[[Wisconsin Collegiate Conference|(WCC)]]</small>
|Falcons<br><small>[[Wisconsin Collegiate Conference|(WCC)]]</small>
|-
|-
Line 347: Line 348:
|1968
|1968
|2024
|2024
|
|285
|Wildcats
|Wildcats
|-
|-
Line 355: Line 356:
|1968
|1968
|1980
|1980
|90<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meyerhofer |first=Kelly |date=2020-02-28 |title=18 months into UW merger, small, rural campuses still struggling to find students |url=https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/18-months-into-uw-merger-small-rural-campuses-still-struggling-to-find-students/article_49d31545-7aee-5432-8e5f-a761c0ada14a.html |access-date=2025-03-05 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}}</ref>
|90<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meyerhofer |first=Kelly |date=February 28, 2020 |title=18 months into UW merger, small, rural campuses still struggling to find students |url=https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/18-months-into-uw-merger-small-rural-campuses-still-struggling-to-find-students/article_49d31545-7aee-5432-8e5f-a761c0ada14a.html |access-date=March 5, 2025 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}}</ref>
|<small>[[Wisconsin Collegiate Conference|(WCC)]]</small><ref>{{Cite web |title=Medford Center, University of Wisconsin Catalog 1972 - 1974 |url=https://www.uww.edu/documents/registrar/Catalogs/UW-Rock%20County/1972-1974%20Colleges%20Course%20Catalog%20%28Medford%29.pdf}}</ref>
|<small>[[Wisconsin Collegiate Conference|(WCC)]]</small><ref>{{Cite web |title=Medford Center, University of Wisconsin Catalog 1972 - 1974 |url=https://www.uww.edu/documents/registrar/Catalogs/UW-Rock%20County/1972-1974%20Colleges%20Course%20Catalog%20%28Medford%29.pdf}}</ref>
|}
|}
Line 362: Line 363:
Since the 1971 union of the universities and colleges under the University of Wisconsin System name, there has been a controversy over the arrangement. The name "University of Wisconsin" is often used to refer to the Madison campus, which has made it difficult for other institutions to make names for themselves. Conversely, many who are connected to UW–Madison have claimed that having so many institutions share the "University of Wisconsin" title has caused a form of [[brand dilution]].<ref>Klotsche, J. Martin. ''The University of Wisconsin–-Milwaukee: An Urban University'', pp. 1–40.</ref>
Since the 1971 union of the universities and colleges under the University of Wisconsin System name, there has been a controversy over the arrangement. The name "University of Wisconsin" is often used to refer to the Madison campus, which has made it difficult for other institutions to make names for themselves. Conversely, many who are connected to UW–Madison have claimed that having so many institutions share the "University of Wisconsin" title has caused a form of [[brand dilution]].<ref>Klotsche, J. Martin. ''The University of Wisconsin–-Milwaukee: An Urban University'', pp. 1–40.</ref>


In 2006 and 2009, the students at UW–Milwaukee (UWM) voted on whether the school should change its name to something that did not carry the UW name (such as Wisconsin State University or University of Milwaukee). In both cases, a [[plurality (voting)|plurality]] of students voted to retain the name "University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee," but over 50% were in favor of a different name.<ref>Jones, Meg. [http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419946 Referendum "UWM students rebuff change: New names such as Wisconsin State University fail in referendum"] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070929124320/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419946 |date=2007-09-29 }}, ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'', April 30, 2006.</ref> Since 2004, the UWM athletic department has simply referred to the school's athletic teams as the [[Milwaukee Panthers]]. UW–Green Bay has since done the same and are officially the [[Green Bay Phoenix]]. Most other UW system programs are commonly referred to by just the city name as they all play in the same conference, the [[Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] (WIAC), making the "UW" redundant. The exceptions are UW–Parkside, who plays in the Division II [[Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] and is most often referred to as simply "Parkside", and UW-Superior, who plays most athletics in the [[Upper Midwest Athletic Conference]], who go by UWS or Wisconsin–Superior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uwsyellowjackets.com/|title=University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics - Official Athletics Website|website=University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics}}</ref>
In 2006 and 2009, the students at UW–Milwaukee (UWM) voted on whether the school should change its name to something that did not carry the UW name (such as Wisconsin State University or University of Milwaukee). In both cases, a [[plurality (voting)|plurality]] of students voted to retain the name "University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee," but over 50% were in favor of a different name.<ref>Jones, Meg. [http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419946 Referendum "UWM students rebuff change: New names such as Wisconsin State University fail in referendum"] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070929124320/http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=419946 |date=September 29, 2007 }}, ''[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel]]'', April 30, 2006.</ref> Since 2004, the UWM athletic department has simply referred to the school's athletic teams as the [[Milwaukee Panthers]]. UW–Green Bay has since done the same and are officially the [[Green Bay Phoenix]]. Most other UW system programs are commonly referred to by just the city name as they all play in the same conference, the [[Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] (WIAC), making the "UW" redundant. The exceptions are UW–Parkside, who plays in the Division II [[Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference]] and is most often referred to as simply "Parkside", and UW-Superior, who plays most athletics in the [[Upper Midwest Athletic Conference]], who go by UWS or Wisconsin–Superior.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://uwsyellowjackets.com/|title=University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics - Official Athletics Website|website=University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics}}</ref>
 
In October 2023, system president Jay Rothman announced that the system would be rebranded as "Universities of Wisconsin", adopting a new logo and color scheme. The legal name of the system would remain unchanged.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wethal |first=Kimberly |date=October 11, 2023 |title='UW System' no more; Wisconsin is rebranding its collection of 13 universities |url=https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/uw-system-universities-new-name/article_0c003876-679d-11ee-a1ef-1b1238783aa0.html |access-date=October 17, 2023 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}}</ref>
 
== Presidents ==
The following people have served as president of the University of Wisconsin System:<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/about/presidents-of-the-uw-system/ |title=Presidents of the UW System |publisher=University of Wisconsin System}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.library.wisc.edu/archives/exhibits/campus-history-projects/chancellors-and-presidents-of-the-university-of-wisconsin-madison/presidents-of-the-university-of-wisconsin-system/ |title=Presidents of the University of Wisconsin System |publisher=University of Wisconsin Madison}}</ref>
 
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!{{abbr|No.|Number}}
!President
!Term start
!Term end
!{{abbr|Refs.|References}}
|-
|1
|John C. Weaver
|1971
|1977
|
|-
|2
|[[Hugh Edwin Young|H. Edwin Young]]
|1977
|1980
|
|-
|3
|[[Robert M. O’Neil]]
|1980
|1985
|
|- bgcolor="#e6e6aa"
|acting
|[[Katharine C. Lyall]]
|1985
|1986
|
|-
|4
|[[Kenneth A. Shaw]]
|1986
|1991
|
|- bgcolor="#e6e6aa"
|acting
|rowspan="2" bgcolor="#F8F9FA" |[[Katharine C. Lyall]]
|1991
|1992
|
|-
|5
|1992
|2004
|
|-
|6
|[[Kevin P. Reilly]]
|September 1, 2004
|December 31, 2013
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/regent-committee-recommends-kevin-reilly-as-next-university-of-wisconsin-system-president/ |title=Regent committee recommends Kevin Reilly as next University of Wisconsin System president |date=July 26, 2004 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System}}</ref>


In October 2023, system president Jay Rothman announced that the system would be rebranded as "Universities of Wisconsin", adopting a new logo and color scheme. The legal name of the system would remain unchanged.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wethal |first=Kimberly |date=2023-10-11 |title='UW System' no more; Wisconsin is rebranding its collection of 13 universities |url=https://madison.com/news/local/education/university/uw-system-universities-new-name/article_0c003876-679d-11ee-a1ef-1b1238783aa0.html |access-date=2023-10-17 |website=Wisconsin State Journal |language=en}}</ref>
|- bgcolor="#e6e6aa"
|interim
|[[Richard J. Telfer]]
|January 1, 2014
|February 14, 2014
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/telfer-to-serve-as-interim-uw-system-president/ |title=Telfer to serve as interim UW System President |date=October 16, 2013 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System}}</ref>
|-
|7
|Raymond W. Cross
|February 15, 2014
|June 30, 2020
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/uw-system-president-cross-announces-plans-to-retire/ |title=UW System President Cross announces plans to retire |date=October 25, 2019 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System}}</ref>
|- bgcolor="#e6e6aa"
|interim
|rowspan="2" bgcolor="#F8F9FA" |[[Tommy G. Thompson]]
|July 1, 2020
|February 11, 2022
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/former-governor-tommy-g-thompson-to-serve-as-uw-system-interim-president/ |title=Former Governor Tommy G. Thompson to serve as UW System Interim President |date=June 19, 2020 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System}}</ref>
|-
|8
|February 11, 2022
|March 18, 2022
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/in-farewell-address-president-tommy-thompson-recounts-shared-accomplishments-day-2-news-summary/ |title=In farewell address, President Tommy Thompson recounts shared accomplishments (day 2 news summary) |date=February 11, 2022 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System}}</ref>
|- bgcolor="#e6e6aa"
|interim
|Michael J. Falbo
|March 19, 2022
|May 31 2022
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kb.wisc.edu/sof/117541 |title=University Committee Meeting Minutes 2022-03-07 |date=March 7, 2022 |publisher=University of Wisconsin Madison}}</ref>
|-
|9
|Jay O. Rothman
|June 1, 2022
|present
|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wisconsin.edu/news/archive/uw-system-board-of-regents-selects-jay-o-rothman-as-next-system-president/ |title=UW System Board of Regents selects Jay O. Rothman as next System President |date=January 21, 2022 |publisher=University of Wisconsin System}}</ref>
|-
|}


== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[List of state and territorial universities in the United States]]
*[[List of state and territorial universities in the United States]]
*[[University of Wisconsin Credit Union]]
*[[University of Wisconsin Credit Union]]

Latest revision as of 15:52, 29 October 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".

The University of Wisconsin System[1]Template:Efn is a state public university system in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is one of the largest public higher-education systems in the country, enrolling more than 160,000 students each year and employing approximately 41,000 faculty and staff statewide.[2][3] The system is headquartered in the state capital of Madison.

The University of Wisconsin System comprises two major doctoral research universities, eleven other comprehensive universities, and eight two-year branch campuses. At its peak, the system had 14 two-year colleges, of which six have since been shut down. When comparing state and local funding per student given to two-year institutions, Wisconsin ranked 4th in the nation in 2023. This was in contrast to four-year institutions where Wisconsin ranked 42nd.[4]

History

Template:Refimprove-section The present-day University of Wisconsin System was created on October 11, 1971, by Chapter 100, Laws of 1971, which combined the former University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State Universities systems into an enlarged University of Wisconsin System. The final legislation passed in May 1974, combining two chapters of the Wisconsin statutes. The merger took effect July 9, 1974.[5]

Former University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin was created by the state constitution in 1848, and held its first classes in Madison in 1849.

In 1956, pressed by the growing demand for a large public university that offered graduate programs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city, Wisconsin lawmakers merged Wisconsin State College of Milwaukee (WSCM) and the University of Wisconsin–Extension's Milwaukee division as the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. The new campus comprised the WSCM campus near the lakefront and the UW extension in downtown Milwaukee.

Starting in the 1940s, freshman-sophomore centers were opened across the state. In 1968, the Green Bay center was upgraded to a full-fledged four-year institution as the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, while the Kenosha and Racine centers were merged as the University of Wisconsin–Parkside. By 1971, the University of Wisconsin system had campuses at Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay and Kenosha/Somers, together with 10 freshman-sophomore centers and the statewide University of Wisconsin–Extension.[6] The total enrollment of the University of Wisconsin system at that time was 69,554. The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin system comprise ten members, nine of whom were appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for nine-year terms. The tenth was the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, who served ex officio on both the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin State University boards.

Former Wisconsin State Universities

In 1866, the state legislature established a normal school at Platteville—the first of eight teacher-training schools across the state. In 1911, the legislature permitted the normal schools to offer two years of post-high school work in art, liberal arts and sciences, pre-law, and pre-medicine. The broadened curriculum proved popular and soon accounted for over one-third of the normal schools' enrollment. In 1920, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching issued a report on "The Professional Education of Teachers of American Public Schools", which attacked such programs, arguing that normal schools should not deviate from their purpose as trainers of teachers. When the Milwaukee Normal School (MNS) persisted with its popular enhanced curriculum, the regents of the Normal School system, the legislature, and the governor all became involved. MNS President Carroll G. Pearse was forced to resign in 1923, and the regents ordered the discontinuation of non-teacher-education programs. The issue was not settled, though; public pressure for expanded offerings at normal schools continued to grow, and education professionals asserted that traditional two-year curricula in teacher training were inadequate.

In 1926, the regents repurposed the Normal Schools as "State Teachers Colleges", offering a four-year course of study leading to a Bachelor of Education degree that incorporated significant general education at all levels. The thousands of returning World War II veterans in Wisconsin needed more college choices for their studies under the G.I. Bill, and popular demand pushed the State Teachers College system Regents to once again allow the teacher training institutions to offer bachelor's degrees in liberal arts and fine arts. In 1951 the state teachers colleges were redesignated as "Wisconsin State Colleges," offering a full four-year liberal arts curriculum. In 1955, the Stout Institute in Menomonie, which had been founded as a private engineering school in 1891 and was sold to the state in 1911, was merged into the Wisconsin State Colleges system; it had previously been governed by a separate state board of regents.

The state colleges were all granted university status as "Wisconsin State Universities" in 1964 (with the exception of Wisconsin State College-Milwaukee, which had become part of the University of Wisconsin in 1956).

As of 1971, the Wisconsin State Universities comprised nine public universities (Platteville, Whitewater, Oshkosh, River Falls, Stout (in Menomonie), Superior, Stevens Point, La Crosse, and Eau Claire) and four freshman-sophomore branch campuses, with a total enrollment of 64,148. The board was made up of 14 members, 13 of whom were appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for five-year terms. The 14th was the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Merger

The University of Wisconsin system merged with the Wisconsin State University system in 1971 to create today's University of Wisconsin System. The 1971 merger law approved by the State Senate combined the two higher education systems in Wisconsin under a single Board of Regents, creating a system with 13 universities, 14 freshman-sophomore centers (as University of Wisconsin Colleges), and a statewide extension with offices in all 72 counties. Each university is named "University of Wisconsin–" followed by the location or name. Each two-year college was named "University of Wisconsin–" followed by the city and/or county in which it is located. The move, intended to enhance the University of Wisconsin's prestige and influence, was resisted by some parties concerned with a possible brand dilution.[6]

The Board of the University of Wisconsin System includes 18 members, 16 of whom are appointed by the Governor and approved by the Senate. Of these 16 members, 14 serve staggered, seven-year terms. The remaining two are two-year positions filled by current University of Wisconsin System students. The two ex officio members are the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the president or a designee of the Wisconsin Technical College System Board.[6]

2018 restructuring

In October 2017, University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross publicly proposed restructuring the University of Wisconsin System to bring the UW Colleges under the control of their nearest comprehensive university, creating regional two-year campuses within the system.[7] The proposal also included splitting UW–Extension between University of Wisconsin–Madison and University of Wisconsin System administration. University of Wisconsin Colleges Online, which was operating as an additional campus of University of Wisconsin Colleges, would be relocated under University of Wisconsin System administration. Cross announced this proposal without consulting shared governance groups or administrators. System administration argued that the merger would save money.[8] Critics said the merger was being rushed without input from the campuses and that the system was buckling to political pressure from the state.[8] The proposal was approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents in their November 2017 meeting, and implementation began July 1, 2018.[8][7][9]

2023–present: Branch campus closures

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In 2023, University of Wisconsin–Platteville Richland shut down, marking the first time a University of Wisconsin campus has closed since University of Wisconsin–Medford in 1980. Following this closure, four other University of Wisconsin branch campuses have closed. Additionally, one campus has gone entirely online and another has stopped using several of its campus buildings. Many have expressed concerns about the future of the Wisconsin Idea following these closures.[10][11][12]

Campuses

Main campuses

Template:OSM Location map

Campus Founded Enrollment
(Fall 2024)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[13] 		Endowment
(2021–22)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
(millions)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[14] 		Athletic affiliation Athletic nickname
(Conference) 		U.S. News Rank
(Midwest 2026)[15] 		Carnegie
Classification[16]
File:UW-Bascom Hall 10-12-2011 066 (6937357125).jpg

Madison

1848 51,791 Template:Nts NCAA D-I
(FBS) 		Badgers
(Big Ten) 		36 (national) R1: Doctoral Universities
Very high research activity
File:UWM Mitchell hall.jpg

Milwaukee

1956 22,683 Template:Nts NCAA D-I
(non-football) 		Panthers
(Horizon) 		301 (national) R1: Doctoral Universities
Very high research activity
File:HarringtonUWOshkosh.jpg

Oshkosh

1871 12,964 Template:Nts NCAA D-III Titans
(WIAC) 		352 (national) Doctoral Universities
Doctoral/Professional Universities
File:Image Old Main.jpeg

Whitewater

1868 11,752 NCAA D-III Warhawks
(WIAC) 		31 Master's Universities
Larger Programs
File:UW-Green Bay Campus Photo.jpg

Green Bay

1965 11,188 NCAA D-I
(non-football) 		Phoenix
(Horizon) 		74 Master's Universities
Medium Programs
File:Morris Hall University of Wisconsin-La Crosse near Wing Tech Center Building.jpg

La Crosse

1909 10,458 Template:Nts NCAA D-III Eagles
(WIAC) 		14 Master's Universities
Larger Programs
File:Eau Claire Wisconsin-UWEC looking northeast.jpg

Eau Claire

1916 10,000 Template:Nts NCAA D-III Blugolds
(WIAC) 		25 Master's Universities
Medium Programs
File:UWSP Old Main.jpg

Stevens Point

1894 8,251 NCAA D-III Pointers
(WIAC) 		54 Master's Universities
Medium Programs
File:UW Stout MSC.JPG

Stout

1891 6,914 Template:Nts NCAA D-III Blue Devils
(WIAC) 		84 Master's Universities
Larger Programs
File:Ullsvik Hall.jpg

Platteville

1866 6,391 NCAA D-III Pioneers
(WIAC) 		49 Master's Universities
Larger Programs
File:2009-0620-UW-RiverFalls-SouthHall.jpg

River Falls

1874 5,273 NCAA D-III Falcons
(WIAC) 		54 Master's Universities
Medium Programs
File:University of Wisconsin-Parkside Student Center.jpg

Parkside
(Kenosha)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

1968 3,948 Template:Nts NCAA D-II Rangers
(GLIAC) 		118 Master's Universities
Medium Programs
File:Swenson Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.jpg

Superior

1893 2,823 NCAA D-III Yellowjackets
(UMAC) 		135 Master's Universities
Medium Programs

Branch campuses

Template:Excerpt

Current

Template:Color box Set to close

Campus Parent
campus 		Founded Enrollment
(Fall 2024)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[2] 		Athletic nickname
(Conference)
File:WIMap-doton-Janesville.png

Rock County
(Janesville)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Whitewater 1966 710 Rattlers
(NJCAA)
File:WIMap-doton-Rice Lake.png

Barron County
(Rice Lake)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Eau Claire 1966 535 Blugolds
File:UniversityOfWisconsinManitowocEntranceJuly2007.jpg

Manitowoc

Green Bay 1933 488 Blue Devils
File:UW Sheboygan Main Entrance December 2011.jpg

Sheboygan

Green Bay 1933 439 Wombats
File:2009-0620-WI016-UWmarathon.jpg

Wausau

Stevens Point 1933 265 Huskies
File:UW Baraboo 04 (Science Building).jpg

Baraboo Sauk County

Platteville 1968 178 Fighting Spirits
(WCSL)
File:UW-Stevens Point at Marshfield.jpg

Marshfield

Stevens Point 1963 156 Marauders
(WCSL)

Former

Template:Further info

Campus Parent
campus 		Founded Closed Final
enrollment[2] 		Nickname
File:UWFoxValleyMall.jpg

Fox Cities
(Menasha)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Oshkosh 1933 2025 424 Cyclones
(WCC)
File:UWGB MarinetteMainBuilding.jpg

Marinette

Green Bay 1935 2025 213 Buccaneers
File:University of Wisconsin–Waukesha.jpg

Waukesha

Milwaukee 1966 2025 589 Panthers
File:MelvillHall.jpg

Richland
(Richland Center)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Platteville 1967 2023 60 Roadrunners
File:UW Fond du Lac Main Entrance.JPG

Fond du Lac

Oshkosh 1968 2024 252 Falcons
(WCC)
File:WIMap-doton-West Bend.png

Washington County
(West Bend)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Milwaukee 1968 2024 285 Wildcats
File:WIMap-doton-Medford.png

Medford

Stevens Point 1968 1980 90[17] (WCC)[18]

Branding

Since the 1971 union of the universities and colleges under the University of Wisconsin System name, there has been a controversy over the arrangement. The name "University of Wisconsin" is often used to refer to the Madison campus, which has made it difficult for other institutions to make names for themselves. Conversely, many who are connected to UW–Madison have claimed that having so many institutions share the "University of Wisconsin" title has caused a form of brand dilution.[19]

In 2006 and 2009, the students at UW–Milwaukee (UWM) voted on whether the school should change its name to something that did not carry the UW name (such as Wisconsin State University or University of Milwaukee). In both cases, a plurality of students voted to retain the name "University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee," but over 50% were in favor of a different name.[20] Since 2004, the UWM athletic department has simply referred to the school's athletic teams as the Milwaukee Panthers. UW–Green Bay has since done the same and are officially the Green Bay Phoenix. Most other UW system programs are commonly referred to by just the city name as they all play in the same conference, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), making the "UW" redundant. The exceptions are UW–Parkside, who plays in the Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and is most often referred to as simply "Parkside", and UW-Superior, who plays most athletics in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, who go by UWS or Wisconsin–Superior.[21]

In October 2023, system president Jay Rothman announced that the system would be rebranded as "Universities of Wisconsin", adopting a new logo and color scheme. The legal name of the system would remain unchanged.[22]

Presidents

The following people have served as president of the University of Wisconsin System:[23][24]

No. President Term start Term end Refs.
1 John C. Weaver 1971 1977
2 H. Edwin Young 1977 1980
3 Robert M. O’Neil 1980 1985
acting Katharine C. Lyall 1985 1986
4 Kenneth A. Shaw 1986 1991
acting Katharine C. Lyall 1991 1992
5 1992 2004
6 Kevin P. Reilly September 1, 2004 December 31, 2013 [25]
interim Richard J. Telfer January 1, 2014 February 14, 2014 [26]
7 Raymond W. Cross February 15, 2014 June 30, 2020 [27]
interim Tommy G. Thompson July 1, 2020 February 11, 2022 [28]
8 February 11, 2022 March 18, 2022 [29]
interim Michael J. Falbo March 19, 2022 May 31 2022 [30]
9 Jay O. Rothman June 1, 2022 present [31]

See also

Notes

Template:Note list

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:Ccat Template:Wikisource/outer coreScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Template:University of Wisconsin Template:Authority control

  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b c Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Enrollment
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ a b c History and Organization of the University of Wisconsin System Template:Webarchive. Retrieved on February 18, 2007.
  7. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ As of June 30, 2021. Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Klotsche, J. Martin. The University of Wisconsin–-Milwaukee: An Urban University, pp. 1–40.
  20. ↑ Jones, Meg. Referendum "UWM students rebuff change: New names such as Wisconsin State University fail in referendum" Template:Webarchive, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, April 30, 2006.
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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