Interim Chancellor David Ward may stay in UW-Madison's top position for another year after the request of UW-Madison faculty members.
Professor Brad Barham is the chair of the University Committee, the group requesting the extension. Barham said the university is in the midst of changes resulting from flexibilities granted to the UW System from the state and it makes more sense to have consistent leadership during the changes.
""I think its just a time where really the model of how we do business at the university is up for discussion at a variety of levels,"" Barham said. ""He's perfectly placed in terms of his experiences working at the national level.""
System spokesperson David Giroux said System President Kevin Reilly plans to seriously consider the committee's request.
""He is very pleased that the faculty are this happy with Chancellor Ward's leadership and skills,"" Giroux said. ""That is not a surprise given Chancellor Ward's experience both here on campus and nationally, but it's gratifying to see that this interim appointment has been received this well.""
Giroux said he has not heard any arguments against the request thus far.
Before being appointed interim chancellor, Barham said Ward worked with other universities within systems facing budget cuts, similar to the situation UW-Madison is currently facing.
Barham said Ward was flattered and ""guardedly positive"" about the request.
Ward told the committee he would consider remaining chancellor for the extended period, but did not want the discussion around him staying to be a source of conflict.
Barham said he urges anyone who opposes the request to get involved and see how Ward's experience could be an asset to the university.
""They might not have the firsthand experience to see how much positive is happening, how much he is offering in terms of a chance to move some big issues forward rather than slowing down,"" Barham said.
Associated Students of Madison Chair Allie Gardner said she thinks the request could offer UW-Madison some much-needed stability.
""I personally think consistency can only benefit us at this time in economic and political turmoil,"" Gardner said.
The University Committee and the Academic Staff committee have both endorsed the idea of Ward staying another year. If the ASM endorses it, all three major shared governance groups at UW-Madison will be on board with the request.
