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UW-RF Chancellor-Elect Visits Campus

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MARCH 17, 2004--University of Wisconsin-River Falls Chancellor-elect Don Betz, in his first official visit to campus, talked passionately about his visions for the University at a reception on March 14.

"The students represent the greatest hope that we have for Wisconsin, for our communities and for our country," said Betz. "The best investment we can make is in people, and I am thoroughly convinced that Wisconsin students are poised to make an incredible difference."

The UW System Board of Regents named Betz chancellor in February after a nationwide search following the death of Chancellor Ann Lydecker last year.

Betz, 60, will officially begin his new job July 1. He is currently the provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma. His previous administrative positions include provost and vice president of academic affairs at Palmer College of Chiropractic as well as vice president of university relations and dean of continuing studies at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla.

He is founder of the University of Central Oklahoma Center for Undergraduate Research and co-founder of the Oklahoma Center for Arts Education. He served on the original implementation committee of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities' American Democracy Project and initiated the Center for Tribal Studies at Northeastern State University.

Betz also has considerable international experience, having worked at the United Nations on the Question of Palestine, one of his areas of expertise, and having served as an assistant foreign editor for the Daily Star in Beirut, Lebanon, during the 1970s. He holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in international relations from the University of Denver.

UW-System President Kevin P. Reilly also made his first official visit to UW-RF to welcome Betz. Reilly was named UW System president in July.

"I believe that Dr. Betz's diverse background and experience in higher education will continue to energize the students, faculty, staff and the community in and around this great institution," said Reilly, who was a strong factor in Betz's decision to accept the position as the 12th chancellor of UW-RF.

Betz also said part of his decision to accept the post was the strong national reputation of the UW System. "The University of Wisconsin is on everyone's short list for a great university system," said Betz. "It is very well respected."

Betz plans to spend the first several months as chancellor learning about UW-RF's strengths and areas of concerns from students and faculty.

"I want to meet a number of student groups, and I hope to be visible and connected with students," said the chancellor-elect, who also said he wants to forge strong bonds with both University and community educators as well as the community and region.

He is eager to continue and strengthen UW-RF's involvement in community and regional affairs. "UW-River Falls has a great future. I hope to meet with every stakeholder—on- and off-campus—and we will continue to be involved in regional development. There is a definitely a connection between quality of education and quality of life."
Betz's wife, Susanne, joined him at the reception. In his address he referred to her as his "better two-thirds."

Together they shook hands with more than 300 people who stood in line to meet the next chancellor.
Susanne will leave her post as executive director of the Educators' Leadership Academy at the University of Central Oklahoma. "I'm looking forward to working with everyone and helping Don with special projects in a volunteer capacity," she said.

Prior to the community reception, Betz addressed local media and then the UW-RF administrative council. "I already recognize some of your faces from our last meeting," said Betz to UW-RF administrators. "To quote the movie 'Casablanca,' 'This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.'"

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Last updated: Tuesday, 22-Jun-2010 16:21:20 CDT