State Rep. Kim Hixson, D-Whitewater, will chair the Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities in the next legislative session.
Hixson, a UW-Whitewater advertising professor, will replace state Rep. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, who most recently served as chair of the committee.
Kim Hixson brings a fresh look and fresh ideas to this committee, most importantly because he understands higher education,"" said Don Nelson, assistant director of state relations for UW-Madison.
Having spent the last 20 years of his life in education, Hixson said he believes his appointment is appropriate.
""I know how universities operate and I understand what universities and higher education are all about,"" Hixson said.
As chair, Hixson said he will focus on supporting the UW System and protecting it from additional funding cuts.
""Right now the budget deficit is certainly trumping everything and I want to protect the university in every way that I can,"" Hixson said. ""Working on the university system I've seen the funding cuts that have been made. The university is running fairly lean on funds right now.""
Nelson said he is optimistic about working with Hixson, and his appointment marks a new era of cooperation between the university and the committee.
""The approach that Nass and his office took to issues of higher education was not always conducive to a productive dialogue,"" Nelson said.
Though Nass' office could not be reached for comment, UW System spokesperson David Giroux has previously said the UW System had good relations with Nass.
Giroux acknowledged Tuesday the importance of Hixson's background, but said the university will not take anything for granted.
""Maintaining relationships with people in the Capitol is a labor intensive process,"" Giroux said. ""We are going to work very hard to keep that office informed and engaged as we did with Rep. Nass.""
