Regent President Millner: ‘The Challenge of Change’


Regina Millner, president of the UW System Board of Regents, contributed an essay headlined “The Challenge of Change” to the fall issue of Trusteeship magazine. “All across the country,” she begins the piece, “declining state support for public universities is prompting reassessment of what it is that we as universities do, how we do it, and why we do it. Significantly, this comes at a time when most experts agree that more Americans must attain a college credential if we are to remain competitive in the global marketplace.” Millner says governing boards are called upon to nurture the culture of the academy, including academic freedom, tenure, and shared governance; ensure financial responsibility, transparency, and accountability; provide a relevant and responsive program array; help grow the state’s economy while ensuring students are prepared for careers; and fulfill “our promise to families who look forward to sending their students to our institutions.” She goes on to describe the need for Regents to be engaged listeners and attentive to the learning and teaching ramifications of emerging technology.