The Universities of Wisconsin have put forward a series of budget proposals with the goal of significantly enhancing the state’s workforce, economy, and healthcare access. The comprehensive plan seeks substantial funding to address critical areas impacting Wisconsin’s future.
Among the proposals, the university system is requesting $240 million to implement programs designed to train 300,000 workers and establish 2,500 new businesses. An additional $90 million is sought to expand healthcare professional programs.
This initiative coincides with changes from the U.S. Department of Education regarding the classification of professional degrees and eligibility for federal student loans. This regulatory shift adds complexity to the education landscape.
Renée Wachter, interim president of the Universities of Wisconsin, remarked, “We’re just going to have to watch this federal space very closely to see how it plays out over the coming months.” She emphasized the university’s commitment to serving Wisconsin’s professional needs regardless of regulatory changes.
The budget proposals will be reviewed by the Board of Regents and subsequently by the state Legislature and the incoming governor. The next state budget is slated for ratification by July 1, 2027.
In an interview with WPR’s “Wisconsin Today”, Wachter outlined the plan to cultivate the next wave of professionals in Wisconsin.
The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Training 35,000 Healthcare Professionals
Rob Ferrett: Let’s start with the healthcare professional side of things. You’ve got this proposal called “Healthy Wisconsin,” aimed at training 35,000 healthcare workers over the next decade. What would need to happen on individual UW campuses to meet that goal?
Renée Wachter: Let me just take a step back to explain how this proposal was developed. We engaged with community members, businesses, and campus leaders across the state. Access to healthcare emerged as a significant issue. In rural areas, like the Northland, shortages lead to longer wait times and limited access to specialists. Our 13 universities are well-positioned to increase the production of healthcare professionals and ensure healthcare access across regions.
The full details will be revealed soon, covering initiatives from developing radiology programs to expanding nursing and physician assistant courses. These proposals are tailored to the specific needs of various regions.
Supporting Rural Wisconsin
RF: You mentioned northern Wisconsin as having a need for workers, and this is true for a lot of rural parts of the state. Is it going to be a priority to try to find ways to make sure that at least a portion of these graduates of these programs, once they’re up and running, end up in rural or northern Wisconsin?
RW: Our Universities of Wisconsin are pivotal in maintaining momentum, particularly in rural communities. This budget will enable us to strengthen existing partnerships and create new ones, placing students in internships and providing firsthand experience to encourage them to build their futures in Wisconsin.
Broadening Workforce Development
RF: There are also initiatives called “Tech for Tomorrow” and “Accelerate Wisconsin” aimed at boosting other kinds of workforce development outside of that direct healthcare field. What does the “career-ready” part of this look like? What is the priority here?
RW: To support businesses and create viable living and working environments in Wisconsin, we must provide students with the tools and support they need to succeed. Our goal is to meet people where they are, whether they seek to upskill or earn initial credentials. Programs will include competency-based learning and online courses, making education accessible even for those juggling work and family.
Addressing Accessibility Challenges
RF: Thinking about that accessibility issue, the system has closed down a bunch of the two-year campuses around the state. That means for many people, that nearby campus is not quite as nearby anymore. How do you reach out to those communities to say, “You can join in these career-ready programs”?
RW: We see tremendous opportunity here and are committed to ensuring education is accessible to all Wisconsinites. Whether today or in the future, we will continue to provide options for career advancement across the state.
Navigating Political Changes
RF: These are budget requests we’re talking about here. It’s an election year, so we don’t know what the state legislature is going to look like or who the governor is going to be. How do you try to sell this, regardless of whether Democrats or Republicans are in charge in the state Capitol?
RW: This proposal is inclusive and addresses issues affecting all Wisconsinites. It focuses on enhancing healthcare quality, job availability, and skill acquisition, positioning Wisconsin for a thriving future.
Balancing Affordability and Quality Education
RF: There’s probably a bunch of people listening right now thinking, “We’re looking at sending our kid to college next year. What’s happening with tuition?” As you craft these budget proposals, what are you looking at when it comes to the cost of higher education for UW system students?
RW: We are always mindful of affordability. Our universities offer some of the best value in the Midwest. I’ve seen firsthand how our campuses can change lives, making education an investment in the future.
