Fearless Sifting

By now I’m sure all of you have heard about former Chancellor Wiley’s comments about the Wisconsin Manufactures and Commerce (WMC). What I found even more interesting was what new Chancellor Biddy Martin’s reaction to those comments.

“It’s John Wiley’s right, and I’m sure he feels his responsibility, to share his observations and analysis of what’s going on in the state, and specially in a relation to the university,” said Martin.

Martin said she’s looking forward to working with organizations like WMC, WISC-TV reported.

Martin said she’s here to build her own relationships and start a new chapter at UW, WISC-TV reported.

Martin said she doesn’t think Wiley’s comments about WMC will have any effect on her ability to lead the university.

“I think of it as a clean slate, and I think that the city of Madison, the state of Wisconsin, are accustomed to vigorous political debate and differences of opinion. And I see no reason why this will have dug a hole for anyone,” said Martin.

A representative for WMC said last week that Wiley’s comments were false and completely off-base, WISC-TV reported.

Some said Wiley left a rocky relationship between the university and WMC with which Martin has to deal.

Martin said that’s not so and she’s looking forward to working with WMC and other groups that could help UW-Madison grow.

Her ability with personal relationship is one of the purported strengths that Martin brings to the UW and her statements on this issue certainly hint at that. If Martin can continue her optimistic attitude no one will ever be able to accuse her of not trying to get along. The “I can get along with anyone” attitude is about the best you could ask for if there is any hope of fixing the strained relationships that exist between the chancellor’s office and the state legislature. While the attitude of a chancellor can only go so far, I think it’s a definitely a good start.