The Office of University Relations (UR) works diligently to build and maintain partnerships with local and statewide communities, business and industry, and all levels of government, in an effort to advance UW–Madison’s mission as a world-class university. As questions grow across the country regarding the value of higher education institutions, the UR team remains committed to sharing UW’s story and cultivating meaningful, reciprocal relationships with our many stakeholders. In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Craig Thompson will provide an update on the current higher educational landscape at the state and national levels, as well as insights into the continued relevance and importance of UW–Madison within the community, state, and beyond.
About the Keynote Speaker
Craig Thompson, Vice Chancellor for University Relations
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Craig Thompson, appointed Vice Chancellor for University Relations in 2024, has more than 30 years of experience across local, county, state and federal government. Prior to joining UW–Madison, Thompson served as secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation beginning in 2019, where he managed more than 3,200 employees and a biennial budget of more than $8 billion. Previously, he worked for the Wisconsin Counties Association for 16 years and led the Transportation Development Association of Wisconsin for 12 years. At the TDA, Thompson led a successful effort to amend Wisconsin’s state constitution to protect the transportation fund. A Racine native, Thompson is a 1991 graduate of UW–Madison with a degree in political science.
