More than a few people wondered why a separate news story was necessary to let the world know the University of Wisconsin-Madison will be the largest institution of higher learning led by an openly gay chancellor, Carolyn “Biddy” Martin.
Fair question. Martin’s private life should have no bearing on whether she is the most qualified to succeed John Wiley at the helm of Wisconsin’s largest university â?? and clearly, it did not enter into the equation when the search committee made its decision.
“What she is, in our eyes, is an exceptionally qualified academic leader. Period,” UW System spokesman David Giroux told The Associated Press. “And she was brought here so she can apply that considerable experience to our flagship campus and move us forward in areas of education and research.”