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Category: Campus life

Which universities mint the most PhDs in key technology areas?

Forbes

The University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Purdue University, and UCLA also ranked among the top 5 institutions in 4 or more of the CETs. The University of Wisconsin ranked first in Biotechnology dissertations. UCLA led in Communications and Networking. Purdue claimed the top spot in Data Privacy and Cybersecurity. The University of Colorado-Boulder was first in Space Technology.

Madison architect Kenton Peters dead at 93. Here are some of his best-known projects

Wisconsin State Journal

A UW-Madison alumnus and former Badgers football player, Peters began his career in Madison in the early 1960s and was a prominent figure in the city’s development scene into the 2000s. He designed and built two of the high-rise condominiums now overlooking Lake Monona, including the metallic Marina building, among numerous other distinctive projects Downtown, on the UW-Madison campus and throughout the region. Many are still standing — and standing out — today.

Evers signs ‘compromise’ budget quickly after Wisconsin Legislature gives final OK

Wisconsin Examiner

Gov. Tony Evers signed the $111 billion two-year state budget bill into law overnight following a marathon day of overlapping Senate and Assembly floor sessions where the bill received bipartisan support from lawmakers. The budget cuts taxes by $1.3 billion, makes investments in the University of Wisconsin system, boosts public schools’ special education reimbursement rate to 45% and allocates about $330 for child care.

In wee hours, Legislature passes and Evers signs 2-year, $111-billion state budget

Wisconsin Public Radio

Wisconsin lawmakers voted to approve a state budget late Wednesday night that spends more than $111 billion over the next two years, cuts more than 300 state jobs and increases funding for the child care industry and the Universities of Wisconsin system. It also cuts taxes by about $1.4 billion.

Evers, lawmakers agree to increase UW System funding by $256 million

The Daily Cardinal

Gov. Tony Evers and Republican legislative leaders reached an agreement Tuesday to a $256 million increase for the University of Wisconsin System — the largest funding increase in about two decades.

This would be a major turnaround for the UW System in the budget after Republican lawmakers threatened an $87 million cut just two weeks ago. The UW Board of Regents and Evers originally proposed a record-high $856 million increase for the system, a total that would bring the state’s public higher education funding in line with the national median.

A coming wave of student loan defaults will be ‘calamity’ for borrowers, a drag on the economy

Barron's

The wave of defaults may also inflict costs on taxpayers. Sending debts to collection comes with administrative costs, says Nicholas Hillman, a professor of education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “There are inefficiencies in the loan repayment system and the collections system,” says Hillman. “So it’s expensive.” Hillman stressed, however, that the alternative to collections—allowing borrowers to forgo debt payments, effectively canceling the loans—would be far more costly for taxpayers.

Madison musicians, artists collaborate at Next Wave

The Cap Times

On the last weekend in June, artist and recent University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate Ava Albelo organized “Cog in the Machine” at Next Wave Studios, a multimedia production space on Madison’s east side.

Albelo said she funded the project with a grant from the UW-Madison Art Department. She hoped younger people would come to the show “and be interested in the artwork and ask questions and enjoy the music.”

Republican budget leaders moving forward a plan to close the aging Green Bay prison

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The plan to close the prison was not part of a negotiated deal with Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, which included tax cuts, increased Medicaid funding and a boost for the University of Wisconsin System. Because the prison plan is not a part of the deal, Evers could veto the plan once the full budget reaches his desk.

Kaul sues Trump administration for abrupt halt of mental health funds, calls it ‘awful policy’

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

But most notably, he cited the impacts. The funding cuts have marred efforts to train 24 school psychology graduates at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who were set to work in high-need schools after graduation. Although 19 students were on track to graduate, the university projects a loss of more than $2.8 million. That funding loss, the institution warned, means some students may not be able to finish their degrees or afford to work in the schools once they graduate.

Gov. Evers, legislative leaders reach budget deal that includes funding increases for UW System, child care

WKOW - Channel 27

Gov. Tony Evers, Assembly Republicans, Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats say they’ve reached a bipartisan deal on the next state budget.

The announcement comes just hours before the legislative committee that writes the state budget is set to vote on funding for a slew of government agencies.

Gov. Evers, legislative leaders reach budget deal that includes funding increases for UW System, child care

WKOW - Channel 27

Gov. Tony Evers, Assembly Republicans, Senate Republicans and Senate Democrats say they’ve reached a bipartisan deal on the next state budget.

The announcement comes just hours before the legislative committee that writes the state budget is set to vote on funding for a slew of government agencies.

Gov. Tony Evers and legislative leaders reach bipartisan deal on budget after months of negotiations

Wisconsin Examiner

Gov. Tony Evers and Republican and Democratic legislative leaders have reached a tentative agreement on the 2025-27 state budget, agreeing to invest hundreds of millions in the University of Wisconsin system, to create new grant and payment programs for child care facilities, further boost investment in special education and cut $1.3 billion in taxes.

Wisconsin’s Democratic governor reaches budget deal with Republicans to cut taxes, fund university

Associated Press

Wisconsin Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans who control the state Legislature announced a deal Tuesday on a new two-year budget that cuts income taxes, increases funding for the Universities of Wisconsin despite a threatened cut and raises fees to pay for transportation projects.

Aging Studies comes to UW-Madison; alcohol-related liver disease deaths increasing; The Weather Guys return

Wisconsin Public Radio

We talk about why UW-Madison will offer an Aging Studies Certificate starting this fall. Then, we’ll talk about the worrisome increase in U.S. deaths from alcohol-related liver disease. Then, the Weather Guys return after another widespread heat wave.

Here’s a sample of the common readers colleges are assigning this year

Forbes

Duke University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are both assigning “James” by Percival Everett as their common reader. The novel is a fiercely satiric and darkly funny reimagining of Mark Twain’s American classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” told from Jim’s point of view. It won both the National Book Award for 2024 and the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

New UW-Madison class trains doctors on Latino cultural competency

The Cap Times

The number of Latinos affected by dementia nationwide is expected to rise nine-fold over the next 30 years, according to Dr. Mora Pinzon, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

And to meet this growing need, UW-Madison’s medical school is launching a new course to better train future doctors in culturally competent care. With around 660 students total currently enrolled, the school plays a significant role in training doctors in the state.

UW-Madison employees urge considering their voices amid budget cuts

The Cap Times

Like other universities across the country, the University of Wisconsin-Madison isn’t immune to growing financial pressures from federal funding cuts, changes and delays.

Over half of the 18 universities in the Big Ten have announced some kind of belt-tightening measures in recent months, as President Donald Trump’s administration has altered or slashed federal funding for research and higher education.

Some Wisconsin men’s basketball season ticket prices jumping 46% over next two seasons

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

As the University of Wisconsin athletic department continues to seek additional revenue streams, it was only a matter of time before it looked at its season ticket prices for men’s basketball.

On June 30, UW started its ticket campaign for the upcoming season. In the process, the athletic department announced a two-year plan to raise ticket prices for 65% of its season ticket locations. The increases will be rolled out for the 2025-26 and 26-27 seasons.

For one night, international soccer game in Madison helped fans forget immigration anxiety

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Diego Adame just finished his freshman year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He’s from Monterey, so he and his dad were excited to attend the match, both wearing Tigres jerseys and calling out to players they knew.

Recently, the Trump administration tried to revoke the student visas of at least 27 Wisconsin students. Adame said his visa remained valid and he tries not to worry about what could happen.

“I just put the work in with studying and that’s about it,” Adame said. “Just stay focused on the grades.”

 

The UW system is losing rural students’ interest. This pilot program aims to reverse course

Wisconsin State Journal

As part of a pilot program called Wisconsin Rural Scholars, high school students from seven small and rural high schools around the state spent a week at UW-Madison in mid-June aimed at introducing them to the college environment. The program is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant and was free for students to attend.

Has a Canadian journalist found bombing fugitive Leo Burt?

Madison Magazine

The bombing, an act of protest against U. S. involvement in the Vietnam War, killed a young researcher, Robert Fassnacht, and injured several others. Three of the four bombing suspects — Karl Armstrong, Dwight Armstrong, and David Fine — were captured and served prison sentences long ago.

Burt, however, has remained at large.

University Research Park and Forward BIOLABS Partner to Power Madison’s Science and Tech Startups

Madison Magazine

Partnering with Forward BIOLABS — one of the many tenants that call the research park home — URP helped create a new shared coworking lab incubator in Madison. Forward BIOLABS offers turn-key life science labs, fully equipped, maintained and supported with networking, training and other growth services aimed at startups.

“With millions of dollars of shared lab equipment, Forward BIOLABS is an ideal place to get started,” said Aaron Olver, managing director of the University Research Park. “And MERLIN Mentors creates customized volunteer mentor teams to help companies achieve liftoff.”

Madison’s residency programs support creativity across disciplines

Madison Magazine

At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Department hosts an elder-in-residence for a week each semester. Writers-in-residence at the Illuminating Discovery Hub, housed within UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, can craft anything from play scripts to music with the Institute’s support — so long as the work features or portrays science in some way.

Artists who don’t fit the bill there can consider two options at UW–Madison’s Division of the Arts: the Interdisciplinary Arts Residency Program or the International Visiting Artist Program.

University of Wisconsin provides nearly $136K to student sex group that gives ethical porn programming

Fox News

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has reportedly approved doling out $136,000 to fund a group that provides sexual programming, including a 90-minute “Ethical Porn” session for students.

The approved budget for the FY 2026 budget says that the Sex Out Loud club, billed as a “peer to peer sexual health resource,” requested $136,475 for 2025–2026 and was approved to receive $135,706.5

LGBTQ community gathers at UW-Madison for picnic celebrating Pride Month

WMTV - Channel 15

LGBTQ+ community members came together at a pride picnic at the UW-Madison Red Gym on Wednesday. June is recognized as Pride Month, and the picnic, hosted by the UW Madison Gender and Sexuality Campus Center, was a way for the community to celebrate.

“It’s just our way of celebrating Pride Month. Being together as a community, welcoming students, community members, faculty and staff to come together,” said Sanders Weinberg, program coordinator for the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center.

Camp Randall neighborhood bustling ahead of Morgan Wallen performances

Channel 3000

A trio of trailers emblazoned with Morgan Wallen’s image arrived at Camp Randall Stadium Wednesday morning, bringing loads of sound, stage and lighting equipment for what will be the venue’s first concert in 28 years.

The Grammy-nominated country artist will perform two shows this weekend at the home of “Jump Around,” marking a historic return of live music to the stadium that last hosted a concert when The Rolling Stones performed in 1997.

How a new Wisconsin coach sees his sport bringing value in changing college landscape

Wisconsin State Journal

Jack Brown is starting his first head coaching job at a time when those involved in Olympic sports are taking a closer look at their place in the NCAA ecosystem.

Brown, who’s less than a month into his role leading the combined men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams at the University of Wisconsin, understands that his sport doesn’t bring much revenue to the athletic department. The Badgers are scheduled to host only three meets in the 2025-26 season at the 1,200-seat Soderholm Family Aquatic Center.

What to know about Morgan Wallen’s Madison concerts at Camp Randall Stadium

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Morgan Wallen is days away from creating more Wisconsin history. In 2023, the country music star became the first artist to headline a Wisconsin stadium for two consecutive nights when he kicked off the North American leg of his “One Night at a Time” tour at American Family Field.

Now, he’s going to be the first musical artist to headline a concert at Madison’s Camp Randall Stadium in the 21st century, with the stadium’s last concert coming in 1997.

Story of agriculture is best told by those who live it says Alice in Dairyland Halei Heinzel

Wisconsin State Farmer

One of the greatest privileges of serving as Alice was working with the Dairy Innovation Hub, a collaboration between UW–Madison, UW–Platteville, and UW–River Falls. This partnership allowed me to highlight the incredible research being done in dairy science, from improving sustainability and animal health to advancing food safety and agricultural technology. These researchers and students are writing the next chapter of our state’s agricultural legacy, one data set at a time.

Audit: UW System staffing, salaries increased as student population down 16K

The Center Square

The University of Wisconsin System has seen an increase of staff and salaries over the past 10 years while student enrollment has dropped by 16,000, according to an audit released by the chairs of the state audit committee.

Academic staff grew 33.4% with a 97.4% increase in salary costs over that time while limited appointees rose 39% with a 78.3% increase in salary costs.

Wisconsin scientists say research could suffer as funding uncertainty shrinks grad student enrollment

Wisconsin Public Radio

Earlier this year, the Trump administration had delayed grant review meetings at the National Institutes of Health and was calling for sweeping cuts to university research dollars. This left faculty scientists with limited funds to offer students.

Even though many of the review meetings are proceeding again, Wisconsin researchers said those delays have lingering effects. One of these is that fewer graduate trainees will be arriving on campus this fall.

Madison volunteers back international students amid Trump restrictions

The Cap Times

The University of Wisconsin-Madison enrolled almost 8,000 international students during its fall semester last year. As of January, about 925 international students were enrolled in Edgewood College’s graduate programs, primarily online, and around 20 were studying on campus as undergraduates. Around 200 international students are enrolled at Madison College, too.

From injured pups to promising careers, UW Veterinary School gives aspiring techs a real shot

Spectrum News

UW’s newly expanded $174 million facility offers plenty of high-tech tools and advanced care options—but it’s the heart behind the work that stands out.

“Across the nation, there’s a shortage of veterinary technicians and staff in the veterinary profession,” said Dr. Chris Snyder, hospital director. “Giving an opportunity to welcome them in and to see what cutting-edge veterinary care can look like—and what a career working in a teaching hospital can be—and how rewarding that is to be able to train others.”

Meet the ‘crunchy’ college students crusading against ultra-processed foods and forever chemicals on TikTok

New York Post

Sophie Pokela just graduated from the University of Wisconsin with an English degree — and a rigorous education in nutrition.

Pokela grew up thinking she was a healthy eater because she mostly chose foods packed with protein and fiber. It dawned on her a year into college that she didn’t actually know much about what she was consuming.

When crime fiction great Elmore Leonard came to Madison

Madison Magazine

Leonard first came in 1990, as keynote speaker for the first University of Wisconsin–Madison Writers’ Institute. Leonard was famous by then, having landed on the cover of Newsweek around the 1985 publication of his novel “Glitz.” 

The institute was produced by the UW–Madison Division of Continuing Studies. They had no budget for speakers. But “Get Shorty” had just been published, and Leonard was headed from his Detroit-area home to the west coast to promote it. 

“I’ll put you on my book tour,” Leonard told UW writing instructor Christine DeSmet. They need only pay expenses. “He was so kind,” DeSmet told me, years later.