Chancellor's Office
Engaging Wisconsin
December 13, 2011: Governor Scott Walker welcomed business, community and higher education leaders—including Chancellor Ray Cross—to the Governor's Northern Wisconsin Economic Development Summit Dec 13-14 in Minocqua.
The chancellor participated in a Dec. 13 roundtable discussion about building collaborative partnerships between higher education and regional business leaders. He was joined by Keith Summers, member of the UW Colleges and UW-Extension Board of Visitors, member of the UW-Fox Valley Foundation and director of operations for Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC.
Summit panel participants Dec. 14 included Maria Alvarez Stroud, director of the UW-Extension Office of Broadband Sustainability, and Kim Kindschi, executive director of the UW-Extension Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.
December 6, 2011: Governor Scott Walker chose UW-Marathon County in Wausau as the site for signing a bill designed to ensure geographic diversity on the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. Witness included, from left, UW-Marathon County CEO and Dean Keith Montgomery, Chancellor Ray Cross, and UW Regent Gerald Whitburn from Wausau.
November 15, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross started his work day by serving coffee to Sreekumari Nair and other UW Colleges and UW-Extension staff at the Lake Street building in Madison. He helped kick off a coffee and bake sale, silent auction and chili lunch that raised more than $2,000 for charitable organizations.
The event also raised awareness about the Partners in Giving campaign, which continues through Nov. 30, 2011. Employees have received packets explaining options for contributing to umbrella organizations or to specific charities. Information is available through http://giving.wi.gov/.
November 4, 2011: Without the help of the Small Business Development Center, “I’m sure we would not be open today,” says Keith DuPuis, owner of Adrenalign Marketing LLC, Wausau.
He joined SBDC staff and others who shared their work with Chancellor Ray Cross and UW-Extension Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor Greg Hutchins during their visit to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Shown here, clockwise from left, are Chancellor Cross; Mike Bialas, Continuing Education program manager at UW-Stevens Point; DuPuis; UW-Stevens Point SBDC Director Vicki Lobermeier and business counselor Mary Wescott.
UW-Stevens Point is a comprehensive campus that presents programs of three UW-Extension divisions: Cooperative Extension, Continuing Education and a Small Business Development Center, a program of the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. The chancellor met with staff of those programs and with UW-Stevens Point Chancellor Bernie Patterson.
November 3, 2011: UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor Ray Cross was part of a panel of judges at UW-Washington County's first Fish Fry Frenzy. They are, from left, UW-Washington County Dean Paul Price, Chancellor Cross, Hartford Mayor Joe Dautermann, West Bend Mayor Kraig Sadownikow and Tom Pipines, a sportscaster for Fox TV 6. All proceeds raised during the competition benefit the Helping Optimize Potential Excellence (HOPE) Fund. The fund is an incentive-based forgivable loan program through which a select group of students are identified as high achievers with financial challenges that limit their ability and potential to become academic scholars. Their loans are forgiven if they achieve a target grade point average.
October 27, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross walks the halls of UW-Marathon County with John Kronenwetter, (left) editor in chief of the student newspaper The Forum, and Miles Dux, president of the UWMC Student Government Association.
October 26, 2011: Patti Nagai chats with Chancellor Ray Cross at the UW-Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources program annual conference in Wisconsin Dells. Nagai, a UW-Extension Racine County horticulture educator, is among about 100 program staff who attended the two-day conference.
During remarks Oct. 26, the chancellor stressed the importance of continued research and support for production agriculture and praised ANRE staff for their service in this area.
October 18, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross enjoyed his all day field trip with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey staff, including Professor John Attig on the left and geologist Bill Batten. They discussed the glacial history of Valley View Preserve near Cross Plains and viewed the maps and geologic descriptions Attig developed that are provided on sign posts along the walking paths throughout the preserve.
Attig worked closely with the Swamplovers Foundation Inc., which established and manages this 450-acre preserve. The group used his knowledge of the glacial deposits and rock types underlying the area to help determine proper plant types for habitat restoration.
After the trip, Chancellor Cross said, “It is amazing how much knowledge they have of Wisconsin’s geology and hydrology. And they’re good at translating that knowledge into useful information for Wisconsin communities, state government and businesses.”
October 7, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross notes ideas shared by Rhys Kuzdas (far right), a UW-Fox Valley student and member of the Student Governance Council. The chancellor joined the council during a meeting at UW-Fox Valley, where Kuzdas was elected financial officer and Alfredo Garcia of UW-Waukesha was elected first year officer.
Also in the front row, from left to right, are: Jamey Henning of UW-Fond du Lac, Council Vice President Matt Riedel of UW-Marathon County and Council President M. Geoff Murray of UW-Fond du Lac. Others present include Travis Strey of UW-Marshfield/Wood County; Ian Reese of UW-Marathon County; Matt Guidry, communications director of the United Council; and Miles Dux of UW-Marathon County.
September 29, 2011: During a ceremony at UW-Sheboygan, Chancellor Ray Cross (seated, 2nd from right) and other institutional representatives signed the Memorandum of Understanding to create another collaborative bachelor's degree program with other UW schools. The new Special Education degree will be a cross categorical degree and will offer licensure for teaching Special Education in grades K-12. The program, which will launch in Fall 2012, will offer junior and senior-level courses taught locally at Riverview Middle School in Plymouth by UW Oshkosh instructors. Freshman and sophomore level courses will be available at all the participating UW Colleges campuses, including UW-Sheboygan, UW-Manitowoc, UW-Fond du Lac and UW-Washington County.
Pictured here are: Al Hardersen, UW-Sheboygan Dean and CEO (standing); Fred Yeo, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services at UW Oshkosh; Rick Wells, UW Oshkosh Chancellor; Raymond Cross, UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor; and Clark Reinke, Plymouth School District Superintendent.
September 26, 2011: Rick Klemme, dean and director, UW-Extension Cooperative Extension, thanks Milwaukee County Supervisor Willie Johnson, Jr., for his unwavering support of the Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension office. Both were attending the Wisconsin Counties Association conference.
September 9, 2011: Eloisa Gomez, Milwaukee County Cooperative Extension director, introduced chancellor Ray Cross to her staff and programs and noted that they served more than 73,000 Milwaukee County residents in 2010, in part, with the help of 3,812 volunteers. The overview of services included a visit to Firefly Ridge in Wauwatosa, one of the community garden rental sites Dennis Lukaszewski supervises and the site of the UW-Extension Apiary. Additional photos and video highlighting the beekeepers, the Corner Store Initiative and other programs the chancellor learned about are posted on the UW Colleges / UW-Extension Facebook page.
September 7, 2011: The Systemwide Extension Council met at the Pyle Center in Madison for a discussion with Chancellor Ray Cross about UW-Extension strategic planning. Participants included, from left, Catherine Neiswender of UW-Extension Winnebago County; UW-Extension Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor Greg Hutchins; Allisanne Apple of the UW-Extension Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development; Bunny Hansen of UW-Oshkosh Continuing Education; and Karen Dickrell of UW-Extension Outagamie County. They were taking a break before a presentation about how technology can enhance educational programming and outreach. The group, whose mission is to advise the chancellor, will meet next on Dec. 7 in Oshkosh.
September 1, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross introduced Katie Meulemans and Wilky Clark in answer to the question — "Why are we doing this?" — during remarks at the UW Colleges fall convocation. Wilky is an incoming freshman at UW-Rock County, and Katie is a continuing student at UW-Fox Valley. The chancellor also shared the story of a distinguished alum of UW-Marathon County, Jon Greendeer. He was elected president of the Ho-Chunk Nation in July 2011 and was unable to attend the convocation at UW-Fox Valley, Menasha. After his remarks, the chancellor also met with the Board of Visitors and the Student Government Association. Wilky and Katie talk about their college choices in video posted on the UW Colleges / UW-Extension Facebook page.
August 25, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross asked Dane County Cooperative Extension staff for stories about their work to illustrate the data he shares with stakeholders. The setting was their Financial Education Center in the Villager Mall in South Madison.
Deb Neubauer, center administrator, and J. Michael Collins, UW-Extension family living specialist and UW-Madison assistant professor, talked about the financial literacy education, one-on-one counseling and free income tax assistance the center provides, reaching more than 7,700 Dane County residents in 2010. They are clients such as Rachel, who came to the center first for help with her taxes. She shares her story on the UW Colleges / UW-Extension Facebook page.
August 18, 2011: The Wisconsin 4-H Operation Military Kids camp provided an opportunity for Chancellor Ray Cross to tour the 4-H Upham Woods Outdoor Learning Center in the Wisconsin Dells, meet staff, chat with campers and get their help launching the cedar strip canoe he built.
Alyssa Walker, 13, paddled on the maiden voyage and later talked about the times her father has been deployed or stationed at an out of state Air Force base. “It’s hard without him at home, that’s for sure,” she said, adding that she copes better now than when she was 6 and he was in Iraq. “I punched a kid at school in the head. He said something negative about the war and it just made me really mad.” She was among 43 campers in grades 6 to 9 at the Aug. 17 to 20 camp and recommends it for others who have a loved one in the military because, she said, “All the experiences are amazing.” The chancellor also met a year-round camp resident – a barred owl named Stella – on his tour with center director Jessica Jens.
Video and additional photos are posted on the UW-Extension and UW Colleges Facebook page.
August 18, 2011: Day two of orientation for UW Colleges new deans and campus executive officers began with a movement to adjourn and enjoy the beautiful day. The meeting instead progressed with UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor Ray Cross providing a strategic planning overview at the Pyle Center in Madison. He also reminded the deans about the impact of their actions the first few weeks of school: “You’ll make impressions that will be difficult to erase or change.” Before the meeting, UW-Barron County CEO and Dean Paul Chase and the chancellor had a chance to talk.
August 9, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross met with members of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, including Gerry Broderick (pictured), Peggy West and Joe Sanfellipo during his visit to Milwaukee. The UW-Extension Milwaukee County staff provides regular updates to Broderick, who is chairman of the parks, energy and environment committee.
August 9, 2011: Going once, going twice, sold to generous supporters of 4-H youth development!
The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation brought in $58,000 through the 4-H Governor’s Sweepstakes Meat Products Auction at the Wisconsin State Fair. That’s $22,000 more than at the 2010 event.
“We will raise over $500,000 in gifts for the foundation this year, so this meat products auction is an important jump start to our efforts,” said Kristi Thering-Tuschen, executive director of development for the foundation. “The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation uses the money raised throughout the year for statewide program grants, scholarships for college students who were a part of 4-H as young adults and as funds to assist high school aged students to participate in statewide 4-H events.”
UW-Extension and UW Colleges Chancellor Ray Cross is pictured holding the item he purchased through the auction: the Reserve Grand Champion, Flavored Summer Sausage from Crescent Meats and Catering. Surrounding him from left to right are Alexis Nickelotti, Wisconsin Fairest; Sam Decker; Gov. Scott Walker; Wayne Lautsbaugh; Stacey Lautsbaugh; Vance Lautsbaugh; Samantha Lautsbaugh; Stephen Lautsbaugh, and Katie Wirkus, Alice in Dairyland.
Wisconsin 4-H, a program of UW-Extension’s Cooperative Extension division and government partners, serves nearly 100,000 youth in every county in Wisconsin by providing hands-on activities that help develop their leadership, communication and citizenship skills.
August 4, 2011: Bad River Boys & Girls Club participants break for a snack and photo with UW-Extension and UW Colleges Chancellor Ray Cross at Lake Superior. He and Ann Christenson, Cooperative Extension Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program educator, joined the “Take a Hike” program focused on nutritious food and exercise.
August 4, 2011: Kathy Beeksma, Wisconsin Nutrition Education Program coordinator for Ashland and Bayfield Counties, was among the UW-Extension staff Cross met on his travels north Aug. 3 to Aug. 5. He was in the area to speak at the Wisconsin Innovation Network’s Lake Superior Business and Technology Conference at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Aug. 5.
July 27, 2011: Charlie Crave of Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in Waterloo, left, explained to Chancellor Ray Cross and other visitors touring the dairy farm and specialty cheese factory many ways the operation minimizes its environmental impact, such as… the proximity of fields to produce feed for the cows that produce milk transported underground 100 yards to the cheese factory that produces whey added to the feed and wastewater re-used in the barns. Manure is processed through an on-site digester system to create energy and animal bedding.
July 27, 2011: Appreciative of the tour (and cheese samples), are, from left: Jim Mielke, Dodge County administrator; Dave Frohling, first vice chair of the county board; Bill Nass, county board member, and Ray Cross, UW-Extension and UW Colleges chancellor.
July 20, 2011: The Building Community Capacity through Broadband program staff and statewide partners met in July in Wausau, where Chancellor Ray Cross signed a sub-contract agreement with Chet Strebe of Northcentral Technical College. Looking on, from left to right, are Mary Kluz, Josh Klingbeil, Ralph Illick, Gerry Klein and Dean Forss.
July 12, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross, right, welcomed Rep. Tom Tiffany of the 35th Assembly District, left, and Sen. Terry Moulton of the 23rd Senate District, center, to Wisconsin Farm Technology Days after the opening ceremony. A meet-and-greet followed with visitors lining up to chat with Gov. Scott Walker, the state legislators, Marathon County Board Chair Keith Langenhahn and other elected officials in the Family Living Tent.
July 12, 2011: Phil Pellitteri, aka the UW-Extension bug guru, offered advice to Farm Technology Days visitors including UW Colleges and UW-Extension Chancellor Ray Cross, who toured exhibits on opening day.
May 19, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross, center, delivered the commencement speech for graduates of UW-Barron County. On the Chancellor's right is Joe Thrasher, Vice President of the UW-Barron County Foundation, and on his left is Paul Chase, CEO/Dean of UW-Barron County.
April 20, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross helped open the newly renovated East Hall at UW-Richland along with (left to right) UW-Richland CEO/Dean Patrick Hagen, former UW-Richland CEO/Dean emerita Deborah Cureton, Richland County Board Chair Ann Greenheck, University Committee Board Member Lawrence Sowle, and Richland Center Mayor Larry Fowler. The new East Hall will house UW-Richland studio arts space, a Mac computer lab, Richland County UW-Extension offices and a large meeting room.
April 19, 2011: Chancellor Cross shares a laugh with Sheboygan County Board Chairman Mike Vandersteen, left, and Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation Director Patrick Drinan. The Sheboygan County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution later that evening supporting the Wisconsin Idea Partnership.
April 6, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross and UW Colleges/UW-Extension Board of Visitors President Mark O’Connell share a moment after the Board of Visitors meeting at the Pyle Center. The board discussed proposed budget biennial budget cuts to the UW Colleges and UW-Extension and learned more about the Wisconsin Idea Partnership plan. Click here for more information about our Board of Visitors.
March 16, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross greets and listens to UW-Extension and UW Colleges faculty and staff located in the Madison, Wisconsin offices. The event was an opportunity for employees to get to know the chancellor, UW Colleges Provost, Greg Lampe and UW-Extension Interim Provost Marv Van Kekerix.
March 15, 2011: Ray Cross, who was appointed as the new chancellor of the University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension in February, met with a group of Student Government Association members and Vintage Spirits, a club for non-traditional students on Tuesday at University of Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County. He answered questions regarding Gov. Scott Walker's proposal to split the state's flagship campus from the rest of the UW System. Ed Zagorski / News Republic
February 17, 2011: Chancellor Ray Cross greets Jonathon Overby, Wisconsin Public Radio host of global music program Higher Ground, while touring the public broadcasting facilities of UW-Extension’s division of Broadcasting and Media Innovations. The division includes Wisconsin Public Television and Wisconsin Public Radio. Higher Ground airs every Saturday night.
February 11, 2011: Chancellor Ray cross addresses elected officials and business owners at a business/legislative forum held on the UW-Washington County campus in West Bend, WI.
February 7, 2011: – On his first day as chancellor of UW-Extension and UW Colleges, Ray Cross (right) met with Greg Lampe (left) UW Colleges provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, and Marv Van Kekerix (center), interim provost and vice chancellor of UW-Extension.
February 7, 2011: Ray Cross began his appointment as chancellor for both the University of Wisconsin Colleges and the University of Wisconsin-Extension on February 7, 2011.
View Engaging Wisconsin photos on Flickr