UW Regent Committee chooses new UW chancellor

MADISON (WITI) -- A special UW Regent Committee has made their choice for the new chancellor. Dr. Rebecca Blank has been selected as the next UW-Madison chancellor.

Dr. Blank worked most recently as the acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce.

The full UW System Board of Regents is expected to take action on this recommendation during a meeting scheduled for April 5th.

Governor Scott Walker issued the following statement on the recommendation of Dr. Rebecca Blank to be the next UW-Madison Chancellor by the Special Regent Committee:

"Dr. Blank is a great pick for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She has excellent academic credentials and strong leadership experience.  Equally as important, she has a keen knowledge of economic issues that can help the UW promote great prosperity in the state." 

President Barack Obama also issued a statement: 

"I want to thank Dr. Blank for her hard work and exceptional service on behalf of the American people. Over the past four years I have asked Becky to take on several roles at the Department of Commerce, and in each one she has distinguished herself as a steady leader and a vital member of my economic team.  A tireless advocate for American businesses, Becky has helped to increase our competitiveness, support our innovators and entrepreneurs, and bring good-paying jobs back to our shores. While I will be sad to see her go this summer, I want to wish her the best of luck in her exciting new role. I know the University of Wisconsin Badgers will have an outstanding chancellor for years to come."