The University of Wisconsin-Superior hosted Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter for a special preview of the Universities of Wisconsin’s 2027-29 state budget proposal on Thursday, Aug. 13, in Swenson Hall.
During her first visit to UW-Superior since becoming interim president, former UW-Superior Chancellor Wachter outlined the budget proposal and discussed its potential impact on the Universities of Wisconsin.
“All of us here know how critical UW-Superior is to this community, and how important our community partners are to UW-Superior,” said Wachter. “Now multiply that by 13, and you get a sense of how important Wisconsin’s public universities are to the entire state.”
Wachter highlighted the transformative impact of public higher education and the importance of continued investment in students, communities and Wisconsin’s workforce through the Universities of Wisconsin budget proposal.
“The Universities of Wisconsin, and UW-Superior, want to help address the state’s shortage of health care professionals so that, from newborns to older adults, our citizens receive the care they need,” said Wachter. “I’m especially proud of the ways UW-Superior is adapting to meet the growing demand for health care professionals. From making exercise science a standalone major to launching a new Master of Social Work program, UW-Superior is making a difference.”
As the Anchor of the North among the Universities of Wisconsin, UW-Superior plays a vital role in preparing graduates for careers in high-demand fields, supporting regional employers and expanding access to affordable, high-quality education.
“We are proud to be known as the Anchor of the North,” said Maria Cuzzo, interim chancellor at UW-Superior. “While we may be one of the smallest Universities of Wisconsin institutions, we are proving that size does not determine impact. When innovation, strategic investment and community partnerships come together, remarkable things happen.”
The proposed investment in the Universities of Wisconsin would support student success initiatives, workforce development efforts and programs that help maintain affordable pathways to a college degree. University officials note that public higher education is a key driver of economic development, producing graduates who contribute to businesses, schools, health care systems and organizations throughout northern Wisconsin and beyond.
UW-Superior remains the most affordable four-year university in the Twin Ports region, providing students with access to a high-quality education while minimizing financial barriers. That affordability, combined with strong academic programs and personalized support, helps students achieve their educational and career goals.
