The chancellor at University of Wisconsin-Stout offered thanks and words of praise to the UW System president, who on Friday, Oct. 25, announced that he will be retiring.
Interim Chancellor Patrick Guilfoile said Ray Cross has been a strong leader during “very challenging times.”
“I want to take this opportunity to thank President Cross for his valued and effective leadership through some very challenging times,” Guilfoile said. “I have enjoyed working with President Cross as both our provost and now as interim chancellor and have appreciated his advice, good humor and support.
“I wish President Cross and his family well as he moves into the next phase of his life. We will work with the System to help ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible,” Guilfoile said.
Cross, 71, announced in a news release that he will remain on the job until his successor is found.
“Serving as president of the UW System has been the most rewarding work of my life,” Cross said. “I believe there is no better investment for the state of Wisconsin than the University of Wisconsin System. From cutting-edge research on cancer, water quality and how children learn to educating Wisconsin’s future leaders, the UW System has never been more important.”
Cross was named president in January 2014 and began work Feb. 15 of that year, after spending three years as chancellor of UW Colleges and UW-Extension. He managed the UW System during a time of steep budget cuts and a sustained tuition freeze while maintaining a focus on quality and student success, the release said.
Cross spent 42 years in higher education. He served with the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970 and was awarded four medals.
###
Photo
Ray Cross speaks in October of 2017 at UW-Stout during a UW System Board of Regents meeting.
