2021 Senate Joint Resolution 93
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring Governor Tommy Thompson as he prepares to depart from his role as interim president of the University of Wisconsin System.
Whereas, the University of Wisconsin System found itself in need of a president in the spring of 2020, having conducted an unsuccessful search for a president; and
Whereas, in June 2020, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System announced that former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson had agreed to assume the presidency of the UW System on an interim basis; and
Whereas, Governor Thompson filled this role in a time of extraordinary difficulty for higher education as campuses, students, faculty, and staff dealt with the coronavirus pandemic in addition to many other needs and challenges; and
Whereas, in 2020 and 2021, Governor Thompson provided much-needed leadership to and advocacy for the University of Wisconsin System, its campuses and programs, and its students, staff, and faculty; and
Whereas, Governor Thompson assumed the role as interim University of Wisconsin System president at the age of 78 years following a long career of public service to the people and the State of Wisconsin, which service began in 1966 when he joined the Wisconsin National Guard and successfully ran for a seat in the Wisconsin State Assembly; and
Whereas, Governor Thompson would go on to serve 20 years in the Wisconsin State Assembly, 14 years as governor of Wisconsin, and 4 years as secretary of the United States Department of Health and Human Services before accepting the interim presidency of the UW System in 2020; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin State Legislature does hereby recognize and thank Governor Tommy Thompson for his exemplary service as interim president of the University of Wisconsin System and extends its best wishes to Governor Thompson as he departs this role.
