MADISON – Rep. Shelia Stubbs released the following statement on the passing of former University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank:
“Chancellor Blank was a good friend of mine, and I am very sorry to hear of her untimely passing. She was a very kind person. When she left UW-Madison, I felt it was fitting for the Legislature to recognize her many contributions to our flagship university and the Madison community. She was humbled and thankful that the Legislature honored her.
“As the state representative whose district includes the University of Wisconsin and as a member of the Assembly Colleges and Universities Committee, we spent much time together working for the best interests of students, faculty, staff, and the Wisconsin Idea.
“Among her accomplishments was creating Bucky’s Tuition Promise, which helps students of color and first-generation college students achieve success. Chancellor Blank’s commitment to UW’s Institute for Research on Poverty was resolute. So was her commitment to our students, faculty, and anyone who had the good fortune of running into her for a quick, friendly conversation.
“Chancellor Blank was a greatly honored individual. She had the honor of working for the Obama and Clinton Administrations, achieving a doctoral degree in Economics from MIT and the 2021 Posse Foundation Star Award for leading the charge in educational equality and equity. Chancellor Blank was a fighter, an innovator, and someone who cared about everyone – someone who worked to make the world around her as equitable and beautiful as possible.
“Chancellor Blank will be remembered for her work at the UW that improved the lives of thousands of students and faculty, her kind nature, and as a friend to myself and others. She will be missed.”
