Interview with Chancellor Charles Sorensen, UW-Stout

Dr. Charles W. Sorensen has had a long and productive career in public higher education, serving with distinction in three states, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He is in his 25th year as Chancellor at UW-Stout, and has focused sharply on promoting high quality academic programs and reaching out to the private sector in a broad range of economic development interests.  He has served on a number of statewide committees fostering economic development and most recently chaired the Research to Jobs Implementation Task Force for the University of Wisconsin System.

Under his leadership, UW-Stout has been transformed to a digital campus.  A modern, state-of-the-art information technology network supports a vibrant laptop program, which has transformed both the teaching and learning environment.  All students lease a laptop as an admissions requirement which provides a level technology playing field for all students. UW-Stout has become a state-wide leader in online education as well, reaching 2,000 students annually, meeting the needs of the non-traditional student in Wisconsin and world-wide.

He has supported UW-Stout’s long tradition of focused, applied education and led the effort that resulted in the UW System Board of Regents designating UW-Stout as Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University.  Under his leadership, the university, in partnership with the City of Menomonie, Xcel Energy, the Stout University Foundation, established the successful Stout Business and Technology Park. The university has earned distinction for its technology transfer efforts, headquartered in the on-campus Discovery Center.

In 2001, the university was awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the only full university to achieve this distinction.

Dr. Sorensen has three degrees in history, with a doctorate from Michigan State University.