The departure of former chancellor John Wiley's top aides, Casey Nagy and Deb Lauder, is one of several changes being made in Chancellor Biddy Martin's process of readjusting the administration.
According to the Associated Press, the absence of Nagy and Lauder will make room for a new communication advisor, who will work on spreading the university's message.
Nagy worked as Wiley's chief of staff and was involved in making many staff-related decisions regarding university personnel.
UW-Madison officials confirmed Wednesday the leaving of Lauder, who served as another crucial staff member for Wiley, the AP reported.
Wiley said in an interview he is supportive of Martin's decision to make changes to the administration.
I think every chancellor has the right and, in fact, the responsibility to organize the office in whatever way they think will work best for them,"" Wiley said.
According to Wiley, the positions held by Nagy and Lauder were key roles while he was chancellor, but are not needed for the style in which Martin operates.
""[Nagy and Lauder] were key people in the way I operated, [but] they will be fine '¦ they will make great contributions to the university in other roles,"" Wiley said.
Representatives from the Martin's office said they are unable to comment about the assistants leaving their positions.
""Everyone understood and expected a number of changes to be made over time and this is probably the first of many over the years,"" Wiley said.
Martin announced a new vice chancellor for university relations position last week. Once appointed, the vice chancellor will handle the university's strategies in dealing with communication, state relations and economic development.
According to the AP, Martin also plans to commence other changes such as raising salaries for underpaid faculty and money for need-based student financial aid.
Calls to Nagy, Lauder and University Communications staff were not returned as of press time.
