Earlier this week, Governor Scott Walker today announced the appointments of Cris Peterson and Jason Plante, and the re-appointment of Gerald Whitburn to the University of Wisconsin (UW) System Board of Regents.
“We look forward to seeing Cris Peterson, Jason Plante, and Gerald Whitburn work as leaders of the University of Wisconsin System as members of the Wisconsin System Board of Regents,” Governor Walker said. “Thank you for your dedication to improving our state and helping our students and academic institutions.”
Gerald Whitburn currently serves on the UW System Board of Regents. Prior to serving on the board, Whitburn was Chief Executive Officer of Church Mutual Insurance Company in Merrill from 2001-2010. Whitburn has also held two cabinet position in Wisconsin: Secretary of the Department of Industry, Labor, and Human Relations from 1989-1991 and Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services from 1991-1995. Whitburn is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Master of Arts in Political Science. Whitburn is a Merrill native who continues to serve his community as a board member of River Valley Bank.
Cris Peterson, of Grantsburg, is owner and Chief Financial Officer of Four Cubs Farm. Peterson is a respected member of the agricultural community receiving the 1997 Wisconsin Farm Woman of the Year, 2002 Association of Women in Agriculture Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award, 2004 World Dairy Expo Woman of the Year, and many other honors. Peterson served as a student regent to her alma mater, the University of Minnesota where she received a bachelor’s degree in education. Peterson also attended the UW Extension for the Agricultural Executive Management Program.
Jason Plante is Vice President of Market & Johnson in Eau Claire. Plante is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science in marketing. Plante has been active in several community organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Boys & Girls Club, Eau Claire Economic Development Corporation and Momentum West.
The UW System Board of Regents is an 18 member board responsible for establishing policies and rules for governing the UW System, planning to meet future needs of collegiate education, setting admissions standards and policies, reviewing and approving university budgets, and establishing the regulatory framework within which the individual institutions are allowed to operate with as great a degree of autonomy as possible. Board members attend eight regular meetings each year, serve on special committees, serve as liaisons with at least two UW institutions, and perform related duties.
The Governor of Wisconsin appoints 14 members and 2 student members to serve 7-year terms and 2-year terms, respectively. These appointments are subject to confirmation by the Wisconsin State Senate.