As a young man, Ray Cross survived Vietnam. Now at the other end of his career, he figures he can handle the state Capitol in his new role as president of the University of Wisconsin System, which he officially starts this week.
UW SYSTEM | A VISION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
'Me again:' Ray Cross makes a second home at the Capitol
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New University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross reflects on his military service in Vietnam during a pause between visits with lawmakers and staffers at the State Capitol on Thursday.
New University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross laughs with staffers in the office of state Sen. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, on Thursday.
Cross, right, goes over the System budget with state Sen. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, on Thursday. Kooyenga was part of the "CPA Caucus" that unearthed the University of Wisconsin System's $650 million cash reserves last spring, resulting in a two-year tuition freeze for the UW System.
University of Wisconsin System president Ray Cross pauses for a brief conversation during a recent visit to the State Capitol. He told System Regents on Thursday he wants everyone on the board to understand the System's finances.
Ray Cross started his job as UW System president in February with a promise to spend more time at the State Capitol and make changes to the System to make it more efficient and transparent. He's shown here in February at the State Capitol.
Cross was in a familiar place last week as he prepared to lead the state university system, entering a State Capitol legislative office to visit with lawmakers and staffers. Cross regularly drops in lawmakers' offices.
Cross visits with state Sen. Lena Taylor, D-Milwaukee, at the State Capitol. He has made a commitment to use university resources to help improve the employment outlook for minorities in urban environments.
The chancellor responds to a State Journal report that Gov. Walker is considering giving the UW System more flexibility.
