Chippewa Valley Times

During the annual Blugold Breakfast and academic year opening meeting on Tuesday, Chancellor Schmidt outlined a strategic vision for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) aimed at distinguishing the institution through new strategies. "If we want to be a top-tier institution, we’ll need new strategies driven by what works best for elite institutions, while changing what isn’t working for us now," Schmidt stated. "This will require all of us to grab an oar and row in the same direction."

Schmidt emphasized that every university department would contribute to UW-Eau Claire’s plan, which is grounded in three vital pillars: student success, becoming a national leader in healthcare education, and championing collaboration. "These pillars can form a foundation to help us reach our vision of being a strong, growing institution," he said. "As we seek to attract students who can be successful in rigorous programs, we will also become a more selective institution — a hallmark of the top-tier, strong institutions."

He reassured that despite these changes, the university would not abandon its mission to help all students succeed or its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. "But we must step up and commit wholly to our mission of serving the public good and do so in ways this university is uniquely equipped to make a difference," Schmidt added. "And shaping the future of healthcare is that public good."

Schmidt highlighted that UW-Eau Claire's distinctiveness in healthcare education serves the public good and is essential for making a difference regionally and beyond. He called for immediate action: "We must act now."

The chancellor stressed the importance of growing relationships with donors, innovation and research partners, as well as global collaborators. He noted that reinforcing partnerships with entities like Mayo Clinic Health System and developing collaborations with Hewlett Packard Enterprise, GE Healthcare, Epic Systems, and Johnson Controls are crucial.

Additionally, Schmidt challenged the university community to create a new named honors college designed to attract talented students and epitomize the Blugold advantage. This honors college aims to set UW-Eau Claire apart as it strives toward joining the ranks of top-tier universities nationwide.

Winners of the 2024 faculty and staff excellence awards were announced during the event.