Our Mission: The Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) is an organization of the twenty independent (or private) institutions of higher learning in Wisconsin. Membership is limited to accredited, nonprofit, four-year baccalaureate and graduate institutions. The presidents of these institutions lead WAICU as its board of directors. All of WAICU's programs are directed to support educational opportunity. WAICU works collaboratively to: - 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, 16.979, 38.50, 39.285, and 560.27) as the official organization of Wisconsin nonprofit, private (or independent) colleges and universities and their 58,000 students.
WAICU Groups
There are 27 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
Admissions Officers
Alumni Directors
Assessment
Business Officers
Career Development Directors
Campus Security Personnel
Continuing Education Directors
Counselors
Deans of Students/Student Life Directors
Development Officers
Environmental Health & Safety Directors
Facilities Managers
Faculty Development Network
Financial Aid Directors
Human Resources Directors
Information Technology Directors
Institutional Researchers
International/Study Abroad
Library Directors
Public Relations/Marketing Directors
Registrars
Residence Life Directors
Risk Management/Insurance Managers
Secretaries/Assistants to Presidents
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. A description of his responsibilities, a full biography, and downloadable picture can be found here. Dr. Wegenke can be reached at 608-256-7761, ext. 222, or rolf.wegenke@waicu.org.
Mari McCarty, Ph.D., is executive vice president of WAICU. She has primary responsibility for research and communications programs and joint admissions 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 27 groups. Contact Dr. McCarty at 608-256-7761, ext. 224, or mari.mccarty@waicu.org.
Karin Wells, Ph.D., is director of 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
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.
Katy Kaiser is assistant to Dr. Wegenke. Contact Ms. Kaiser at 608-256-7761, ext. 222, or katy.kaiser@waicu.org.
Kathy Westerhof is assistant to the education team. Contact Ms. Westerhof at 608-256-7761, ext. 238, or kathy.westerhof@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.
Kate Howard is the operations assistant. Contact Ms. Howard at 608-256-7761, ext. 221, or kate.howard@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
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.
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. Bill can be reached at 608-516-0842 or bill.schultz@waicu.org.
Laura Beckett is assistant to the collaboration team. Contact Ms. Beckett at 608-256-7761, ext. 230, or laura.beckett@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.
Torrie DeVoe is accounting assistant to the WAICU Benefits Consortium (WBC). Contact Ms. DeVoe at 608-256-7761, ext 231, or torrie.devoe@waicu.org.
