Blank’s Slate

UW-Madison’s commitment to community outreach is an important part of our campus culture. The Wisconsin Idea holds that our campus responsibilities extend to the boundaries of the state and beyond. That philosophy undergirds work done… Read More

The following message from Chancellor Blank was sent to UW–Madison faculty, university and academic staff on May 19. To our employees, Nearly two weeks ago, I had the chance to look out at our assembled… Read More

Remarks as prepared for delivery: 4 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2021 UW-Madison Spring Commencement Ceremony for Doctoral, MFA and Professional Degree Candidates Camp Randall Stadium Good afternoon. Welcome to Camp Randall Stadium and the 2021… Read More

Remarks as prepared for delivery: Noon, Saturday, May 8, 2021 UW-Madison Spring Bachelor’s Degree Commencement Ceremony Camp Randall Stadium Good afternoon. I am Chancellor Rebecca Blank. After one of the strangest years any of us… Read More

Climate change is an existential threat to our state, our country, and the global community. As weather changes, storms become more intense, and the resilience and health of our ecosystem deteriorates, we are all affected…. Read More

As the world knows at this point, Barry Alvarez has announced that he will retire in June, stepping down from the Athletic Director position he has filled so spectacularly for the last 17 years. To… Read More

As I walk around campus and my neighborhood, I see hopeful signs that winter is finally ending. Snow piles are almost gone, lake ice has melted, and crocuses have sprouted in neighbors’ lawns. Similarly, while… Read More

In a difficult year, it’s always helpful to share the good things that are happening. One example is UW-Madison’s ranking as the #1 producer of Peace Corps volunteers in 2020, for the fourth year in… Read More

At our semi-annual Leadership Summit in February, I asked our deans, directors, and department chairs to work in small groups to answer several questions related to how we move forward from the past year to… Read More

I’ve written in this space before about the ongoing importance of recruiting and retaining students, faculty and staff of color. The past year has brought into sharp focus that society is confronting two crises: the… Read More