The great challenge facing the great state University of Wisconsin is to forge a 21st century variation on the Wisconsin Idea — the relationship between the UW and the state that enriched both during much of the 20th century.
That the linkage has been weakened is beyond debate.
While there remain some institutions within the university that are engaged with the state and its citizens — such as the Center on Wisconsin Strategies on the UW-Madison campus — the vital connection that once existed has frayed.
There is plenty of blame to go around.