Blank’s Slate

One of the things that I love the most about UW-Madison is the passion and commitment of its alumni and friends. I see it and feel it when I travel around the country for events,… Read More

Fall is in full swing, and it’s wonderful to see a busy campus full of Badgers. But before all the leaves drop, I’d like to take a moment to talk about our success at expanding… Read More

I want to let you know that I will be leaving UW–Madison at the end of this academic year to assume the presidency at Northwestern University. I will have served as Chancellor at UW–Madison for… Read More

As prepared for delivery, Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Welcome. Thank you for your leadership and partnership as we transition into a new semester, and for all that you’ve done over the past 18 months. I’d… Read More

On August 6, the University of Wisconsin–Madison removed a 42-ton boulder formerly known as Chamberlin Rock from our main campus. This was not, as some have assumed, a knee-jerk decision. Rather, it came after more… Read More

We welcomed the largest freshman class in our history last week, and as I stood before these new students at Convocation, I was struck by the level of sheer joy and excitement I felt in… Read More

Probably anybody over the age of 30 has memories of September 11, 2001. I was teaching a class that morning. I walked back to my office to see everybody clustered around a radio. Someone said… Read More

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