• Advance the interests and promote the development of independent colleges and universities in Wisconsin.
• Articulate the values and purposes of independent higher education and educate the public about these values and purposes.
• Advocate equitable public policy affecting higher education in Wisconsin and nationally, and cost-effective allocation of public funds to assure freedom of choice for students in selecting an institution of higher learning.
• Administer joint ventures, resource sharing, the exchange of information and scholarship, and mutual consultation and cooperation among the twenty independent colleges and universities in Wisconsin.
• Assist members in promoting access, affordability, and accountability.

WAICU is recognized in state statutes (ss. 14.57, 15.377, 15.67, 16.979, 38.50, 39.285, 39.437(4)(a), 115.297, and 560.27) as the official organization of Wisconsin nonprofit, private (or independent) colleges and universities and their 60,000 students. 

WAICU Groups

There are 30 groups meeting under the WAICU umbrella. Under the policy guidance of the college and university presidents, the groups share intellectual capital to advance the highest standards in professional development to assure that WAICU projects and programs are grounded in real-world requirements for excellence in higher education and to encourage cooperation and collaboration on campus and among colleges and universities. 

Academic Deans
Admission Officers
Advancement Officers
Alumni/ae Directors
Assessment Directors
Business Officers
Career Development Directors

Community Engagement Directors
Continuing Education Directors
Counselors
Deans of Student Affairs
Environmental Health & Safety Directors
Facilities Managers
Faculty Development Network
Financial Aid Directors
Human Resources Directors
Information Technology Directors
Institutional Researchers
International/Study Abroad Directors
Library Directors
Multicultural Affairs Directors
Public Relations/Marketing Directors
Registrars
Residence Life Directors
Risk Management/Insurance Managers
Safety and Security Directors
Secretaries/Assistants to Presidents
Student Activities Directors
Student Health Services Directors
Teacher Education Deans/Directors

The WAICU Staff

Organizational Chart

Rolf Wegenke, Ph.D., is president and CEO of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, of the WAICU Educational Technology Consortium, and of the WAICU Benefits Consortium. Click here for a full biography and downloadable picture. Dr. Wegenke can be reached at 608-256-7761, ext. 222, or rolf.wegenke@waicu.org.

Torrie DeVoe is assistant to the collaboration team.  Contact Ms. DeVoe at 608-256-7761, ext 231, or torrie.devoe@waicu.org.

Jerry Huffman is vice president for communications and editor of WAICU publications.  All media inquiries should be directed to Mr. Huffman at 608-256-7761, ext. 225 or jerry.huffman@waicu.org.

Katy Kaiser is assistant to Dr. Wegenke. Contact Ms. Kaiser at 608-256-7761, ext. 222, or katy.kaiser@waicu.org. Ms. Kaiser also serves as WAICU’s public information coordinator. You may contact Ms. Kaiser in this capacity at 608-256-7761, ext. 241 or katy.kaiser@waicu.org.

Brooke Konopacki is WAICU's vice president for student access. She has primary responsibility for the WAICU Student Access Center and for outreach to school counselors and their students in middle school and high school.  Contact Ms. Konopacki at 608-256-7761, ext. 227, or brooke.konopacki@waicu.org.  The WAICU Student Access Center may also be reached at 1-800-4-DEGREE or studentaccess@waicu.org.

Suzanne Lidtke is WAICU's member services coordinator. Her primary focus is to work with WAICU members and others on WAICU's cost-saving collaborations, including facilitating participation; implementation and integration of programs; and monitoring for continuous improvement.  You can reach Ms. Lidtke at 608-256-7761, ext. 230, or suzanne.lidtke@waicu.org.

Jim Malicki is executive director of the WAICU Benefits Consortium (WBC), a jointly administered health plan for the faculty and staff of WAICU member colleges and universities. You may reach Mr. Malicki at 608-256-7761, ext. 228, or jim.malicki@waicu.org.

Mari McCarty, Ph.D., is executive vice president of WAICU. She has primary responsibility for oversight of research, communications, and student access programs. She serves as the official alternate for Dr. Wegenke on many boards, councils, committees, and task forces, and as the coordinator for WAICU’s 30 groups. Contact Dr. McCarty at 608-256-7761, ext. 224, or mari.mccarty@waicu.org.

Kelly McCoy is director of student services.  Her principal focus is serving as an advocate for students participating in the WAICU Student Health Program.  Contact Ms. McCoy at 866-WAICU-4U (866-924-2848), or kelly.mccoy@waicu.org.

Paul Nelson is senior vice president for public policy. He is primarily responsible for developing and administering the association's governmental affairs and public policy programs.  Contact Mr. Nelson at 608-256-7761, ext. 223, or paul.nelson@waicu.org.

Rodney Opsal is senior vice president for collaboration and coordinates the activities of the WAICU Collaboration Project, which focuses on helping members control their costs.  Contact Mr. Opsal at 608-256-7761, ext. 226, or rod.opsal@waicu.org

Bill Schultz is executive director of the WAICU Educational Technology Consortium (WAICU ETC).  He is the project manager for implementation of a joint ERP system for participating WAICU members.  Mr. Schultz can be reached at 608-256-7761, ext. 236, or bill.schultz@waicu.org.

Liza Simon is vice president for finance and operations.  Contact Ms. Simon at 608-256-7761, ext. 229, or liza.simon@waicu.org.

Karin Wells, Ph.D., is vice president for research.  She is responsible for all research with special emphasis on the federal Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and other accountability reporting systems.  Contact Dr. Wells at 608-256-7761, ext. 234, or karin.wells@waicu.org.

Kathy Westerhof is assistant to the education team.  Contact Ms. Westerhof at 608-256-7761, ext. 238, or kathy.westerhof@waicu.org.