UW System unveils “Knowledge Powers Wisconsin”

Editor's note: This article contains information excerpted from the UW System web site.

The University of Wisconsin System recently unveiled "Knowledge Powers Wisconsin," a new branding strategy highlighting the essential role UW System institutions play in powering the state's economic strength. And UW-Parkside is well represented on the site.  

David Giroux, executive director of UW System's Communications & External Relations Team, told Regents while they see the strong connections between our public universities and the vitality of our state, a much better job might be done in explaining that value to the citizens of this state.

"I believe this provides a framework for a new strategic vision for the UW System," Giroux said. "This is, maybe, a new spin on the 'Growth Agenda,' a new way of articulating what we do, one that more accurately reflects all that we do."

Giroux emphasized the new UW System communications strategy does not supersede the strong brands of individual institutions. Rather, the intent is to help chancellors, communicators, and others articulate a common message around a key issue: the relationship between a strong UW and a robust state economy.

UW-Parkside contributed articles under the headings of Entrepreneurship,  Return on Investment, and Responsiveness. The university's working relationship with a start-up company engineering a new wheelchair, student research that could save Wisconsin taxpayers millions of dollars in medical costs at state correction facilities, and more responsive water quality testing are featured on the "Knowledge Powers Wisconsin" web site.   

A statewide survey undertaken last March, showed stimulating job growth and attracting new industries topped all responses for areas where the UW System can improve, Giroux reported.  "That's where people want to see us moving the needle," he said.

He also showcased several applications of the campaign, tying UW to vital economic drivers in the state such as agriculture and manufacturing.

Regent Regina Millner said she appreciated that the UW System is moving beyond the general concept of higher education to how it improves the lives of people in Wisconsin. One of the campaign's strengths, she said, is in its "understanding of how the whole is stronger than the individual parts."

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Story Status: Archived
Publish date: 11/19/2012

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