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w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m J u n e 2 0 14 • I nsIgh t | 27 courses focused on sustainability, appreciation of cultural differences and collaboration. "A key part of this general education transformation is service-learning projects and initiatives and getting our students out more in the community," Wells says. the road ahead W ells and his wife will move to Florida aer he leaves the chancellor's office. "I've received a lot of advice from people who have retired. I know I'll do something related to education and I'll still be engaged in that," Wells says. Vice Chancellor of student Affairs Petra Roter has been named interim chancellor while a search committee looks for Wells' replacement. "he or she will have a full plate," Wells says. "ere are still a lot of challenges that lie ahead. More can be done about narrowing the achievement gap between white students and students of color and those who are the first generation of their family to go to college. Another challenge is to figure out how we stop pricing people out of getting an education while at the same time looking at the salaries we pay our staff to make sure we keep the best and brightest." Wells says he'll cherish the time he spent in Oshkosh. "I loved working here, but it's time for a new beginning for me and the university. new beginnings can be very exciting." online: Click to hear UW-Oshkosh Chancellor richard Wells talk about how the university has made strides in business partnerships and green initiatives. was about $500 million annually on the community and creates directly or indirectly 9,000 jobs locally. Kleman says Wells is a champion for business development and entrepreneurship. "he's really done a lot to connect the community to the campus," he says. "he's had such a great influence." While Wells raised the university's profile in the community and region, students are always on the mind of the former sociology professor. Focusing on students and their needs helped the university attract a record 13,902 students for the fall semester of 2013 – a 19 percent increase from 2000 when Wells came on board. ose students have more education options than ever. ese include the engineering technology degrees as well as an insurance program. "We are focused on developing programs that help close the skills gaps," Wells says. In addition, the college has its first doctoral program (nursing) and expanded its master of business administration offerings to include an online program in foundations and programs designed for executives and professionals. Many of the professionals passing through the university's MBA programs stay in the area, says Kathleen hagens, director of the College of Business MBA Program. "We're proud so many of the people running companies in the area have MBAs from UW-Oshkosh," she says. "I think our program is so attractive because we really focus on the functional areas that business people need to know in hR, marketing, financials." e university's MBA program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate schools of Business – the only one in the new north with that status. "We really understand businesses in Wisconsin and gear our programs for working professionals, whether it's online classes, weeknight classes or classes on saturdays," hagens says. Another program that grew and transformed under Wells' leadership is the University studies Program, which transformed the college's general education program. e University studies Program features small learning communities, student peer mentoring, alumni mentors and building boom since richard Wells became chancellor of uW-oshkosh in 2000, construction crews have been a common sight on campus as the university blended state dollars, program funds and private sector donations to take on multiple building and remodeling projects. In all, approximately $320 million has been spent since 2000 on construction projects, with some projects still scheduled for next year. here's a look at some of the highlights: » Construction of sage hall, the university's first academic building in 40 years, completed in 2012. » Construction of the uW-oshkosh alumni Welcome and Conference Center, which opened in april. » Construction in 2011 of the first commercial-scale dry fermentation anaerobic biodigester in the Western hemisphere, which generates energy and revenue from the controlled decomposition of crop, yard and campus food waste. » Construction of the horizon Village residence hall in 2012 and renovations of taylor hall in 2005 and Fletcher hall, which could begin by next year. » multi-phase renovation of the Kolf sports Center, which was finished in 2012. » Planned renovation of the Clow social science Center (to be started later this year). Wells credits the community, including local businesses, and the uW board of regents for making the projects possible. "When people can see what you're doing and that it's making a difference, it's easier to get out there and support," he says.