2013 Senate Joint Resolution 78
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: commending and congratulating Chancellor Richard H. Wells for his contributions to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the state of Wisconsin.
Whereas, Richard H. Wells will retire from his position as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh effective August 31, 2014; and
Whereas, Richard H. Wells was appointed as chancellor in 2000 and is UW-Oshkosh's tenth, and third-longest-serving, chancellor; and
Whereas, during his tenure, UW-Oshkosh saw a record 19 percent enrollment increase and a 30 percent increase in conferred degrees; and
Whereas, under Chancellor Wells's guidance, UW-Oshkosh enhanced its facilities by completing and launching approximately $320 million in construction projects from 2000 through 2015, blending $160 million in state investment with $111 million in program revenue (from residence hall fee to business service fee revenues) and more than $45 million in donor/university/private sector partnership investment; and
Whereas, major capital projects completed under Chancellor Wells's tenure include the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Horizon Village, Sage Hall, and the Alumni Welcome and Conference Center; and
Whereas, Chancellor Wells's leadership has ensured that students will have a modern learning environment for many years to come; and
Whereas, despite the challenges facing higher education, Chancellor Wells has never lost sight of the importance of a well-rounded liberal arts education and the capacity of institutions like UW-Oshkosh to produce value; and
Whereas, Chancellor Wells has advocated a broad view of the role of higher education in the knowledge economy as a partner with the private sector to ensure workforce development through efforts to provide highly skilled graduates aligned with current and emerging careers; and
Whereas, Chancellor Wells has also advanced and championed economic development through innovative and collaborative support for new and existing businesses; and
Whereas, Chancellor Wells has been a respected voice in higher education throughout the state, and UW-Oshkosh has flourished under his tenure; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin legislature commends and congratulates Chancellor Richard H. Wells for his contributions to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and to the state of Wisconsin and wishes him a long and healthy retirement; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to Chancellor Richard H. Wells.
