As we begin a new year, I’ve been reflecting on some of the moments that inspired and uplifted us in 2025. Even in the face of the significant challenges facing higher education — including UW–Madison — there are so many things to celebrate! Here are just a few of the most recent:
For the first time in more than a decade, UW–Madison is ranked in the top five in the country in research expenditures among 925 public and private universities. It’s important to note that the university’s nearly $2 billion in research investment ($1.93 billion, to be precise) reflects the fiscal year that ended in June 2024, and the figures might look different next December, given this past year’s disruptions to the research ecosystem. Still, it’s incredibly rewarding to see the results — and scale — of the extraordinary work of our faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students, who are tackling complex challenges, making new discoveries, changing lives, and strengthening communities.
A huge congratulations to our outstanding Wisconsin women’s volleyball team, which added another semifinal finish to an already storied run. With an NCAA championship in 2021 and now seven semifinal appearances, this program has made our entire Badger community incredibly proud!
To round out the year, a major milestone: we’ve taken a big step toward creating a new College of Computing and Artificial Intelligence at Morgridge Hall — our first new standalone school since the School of Veterinary Medicine opened in 1983. The college will draw on the momentum in computing, data, and AI that touches nearly every profession and discipline, from health care to the humanities. Approval from the regents, which is now in hand, is the equivalent of a building permit — in the months ahead, we’ll be working across campus to further hone the vision for this exciting new school, which will likely open its doors in summer 2026.
If you’d like to see more of our past year on campus, I’d strongly encourage you to check out Still/Moving, UW–Madison’s capsule of stunning and inspiring images from 2025. I hope it makes you proud.
As we say good-bye to 2025, I want to thank you for all that you do for UW–Madison. Here’s to a wonderful 2026 — may it be full of meaningful connections and exciting moments of discovery and learning.
Happy New Year, and on, Wisconsin!
Jennifer L. Mnookin
Chancellor
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Chancellor’s Choice
What do Bucky Badger, SpaghettiOs, and the coroner of Munchkinland have in common? Their creators came from the Wisconsin School of Business, which celebrated its 125th anniversary this year! Take a look at the transformational impact WSB grads have had on the business world and beyond.
After bringing music back to Camp Randall Stadium this year with sold-out pop and country concerts, we’re ready to be “thunderstruck” when the legendary AC/DC comes to town in July. For Badgers about to rock, we salute you!