Chancellor Lynn D. Akey Presents Vision for a Vibrant, Impactful Future at...

Published: October 3, 2024

With a message of transformation and growth, Chancellor Lynn Akey addressed the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents meeting Sept. 26, outlining an ambitious future for the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Her presentation showcased the university's deep commitment to student success, its pivotal role in the region, and a plan to elevate UW-Parkside to a first-choice institution in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. By emphasizing partnerships, community engagement, and forward-thinking strategies, Chancellor Akey made it clear that Parkside is ready to expand its impact.

"At Parkside, we make a difference. That's not just a statement; it's a reflection of our commitment and our actions," she said. "Our programs and services provide practical, real-world experiences with meaningful real-world outcomes."

UW-Parkside serves the highest percentage of low-income and first-generation students among the Universities of Wisconsin. With 38% of students receiving Pell Grants and 47% being the first in their families to attend college, the university has a critical role in providing transformative educational opportunities.

In addition, she pointed to UW-Parkside's impact beyond the classroom. She referenced the university's Theatre Arts professional training model, the Sales Center Lab in the Innovation Corridor, and the Applied Health Science programs, which boast a medical school acceptance rate more than double the national average.

"Our dedication to delivering high-value, impactful experiences is evident across all facets of our university," she said.

Akey also emphasized UW-Parkside's deep-rooted connection to the region it serves, with 62% of students coming from Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties, and 95% of students coming from the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. This strong regional identity reflects the university's commitment to serving local communities and preparing students to stay and work in the area.

"Our students enroll from here, they live here, and they stay to work here. This connection to our region is a cornerstone of our identity and our mission," she said. "The Milwaukee-Chicago corridor represents a vital and economically important region, with its dynamic mix of industries and economic activity driving regional synergy."

She shared that Parkside has earned national recognition for its collaborative efforts with businesses and community partners. A recent feature in Forbes spotlighted Parkside's work with Higher Expectations for Racine County, showcasing how colleges, companies, and communities are joining forces to improve educational outcomes, particularly for underserved populations.

Looking ahead, Chancellor Akey outlined three strategic directions that will guide the university's future:

• Becoming the First-Choice University in the Milwaukee-Chicago Corridor
  Akey noted that Parkside's students are diverse, driven, and deeply connected to their communities, balancing learning with work and personal commitments. To that end, Akey is committed to making UW-Parkside the go-to choice for students who live, learn, and work in the region.
  
• Partnering with Business and Industry for Economic and Cultural Vitality
  UW-Parkside is poised for a major shift, Akey said. "We are shifting from being a provider of education to a true partner with businesses and industries. Our goal is to establish deeper partnerships that offer new academic opportunities, high-impact, career-ready experiences, and workforce development." She emphasized that these partnerships will be key in preparing students to thrive in the region's diverse and dynamic economy.
  
• Transforming Structures for Greater Efficiency and Effectiveness
  Akey emphasized the need to streamline the university's organizational structures to better align with its size and mission. Increasing operational efficiency will ensure that Parkside continues to deliver high-quality education while advancing its core mission of supporting students.

Several key members of the UW-Parkside community also presented during the session. Debra Karp, director of the Alan E. Guskin Center for Community and Business Engagement; Amy Garrigan, community engagement program manager; Kaila Bingen, assistant community-based learning coordinator; and Carey Watters, chair of the Art Department, shared Parkside's achievements in "learning in action," including Parkside's participation in the Art Root Wall Poems Community-Based Learning Project.

Student Alleigha Williams, Class of 2025, shared how her involvement in community-based learning initiatives has provided her with invaluable career skills.

Michael Bond, director of community relations at Snap-on Incorporated, spoke about the longstanding partnership between the university and Snap-on, highlighting how internships and mentorship programs have helped students excel in their professional careers.

Dr. Bryan Lewis, associate dean, College of Natural and Health Sciences and director of Pre-Health Programs, offered a personal reflection on Parkside's transformative impact, sharing alumni stories that exemplified the sentiment, "If not for Parkside." Autumn Hamilton, Class of 2019, and Fahad Aziz, Class of 2024, presented their personal stories that reflected the university's dedication to student success.

As Chancellor Akey concluded her presentation, she reflected on Parkside's enduring impact, both in the lives of its students and within the community.

"At Parkside, we may be small in size, but our achievements are big," she said. "Every program we develop, every student we support, and every partnership we build contributes to a brighter future for our community."