Wisconsin
Wisconsin Provides Details in the Search for Its Next Athletic Director
The University of Wisconsin has officially turned the page, formally launching a national search for its next Director of Athletics.
In a move that signals a coordinated transition of power, the search is being led by incoming Interim Chancellor Eric Wilcots. Outgoing Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin, whose tenure concludes on May 16, requested Wilcots take the lead to ensure the new AD and the university’s leadership are perfectly aligned from day one.
“Wisconsin Athletics plays a vital role in the life of our campus and our community; its success matters,” says Wilcots. “The director of athletics will lead us into a new era of Wisconsin Athletics during a transformational time in college athletics.”
The Committee
To find the right fit, Wilcots has assembled a nine-member advisory committee that reads like a “Who’s Who” of Wisconsin sports history and professional excellence. The committee is chaired by Lauren Bishop, a former Duke rower and current UW associate professor who serves as a Faculty Athletics Representative to the Big Ten.
The press release revealed the committee members, which features several names that should be familiar to the Wisconsin fanbase:
- Chris Ballard: Current Indianapolis Colts General Manager and former Badger football player (Class of ’93).
- Rob Cramer: UW–Madison’s Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration and a 1992 alumnus.
- Meghan Duggan: Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Devils and legendary former Badger women’s hockey star (Class of ’11).
- Michael Finley: Dallas Mavericks executive and iconic Badger men’s basketball alumnus (Class of ’14).
- Elzie Higginbottom: President of East Lake Management, 1965 track and field alumnus, and member of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association Board.
- Marija Pientka: Wisconsin’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Administration and former Badger tennis player (Class of ’95).
- Michael Shannon: Co-Founder of KSL Capital Partners, 1980 alumnus, and member of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association Board.
- William Smith: Current men’s soccer student-athlete and President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“I’m grateful and humbled to be a part of such an important search at the university, one that will shape the future of Wisconsin Athletics,” Bishop stated. “It is vitally important we hear from a variety of voices on the qualities we should be seeking in a new director.”
Lauren Bishop
What’s at Stake?
The next AD won’t just be overseeing wins and losses. The university made it clear that the new hire must have a “strong emphasis on student-athlete health, wellbeing, academic success, finance and facilities, and fundraising.”
In the age of revenue sharing and multi-million dollar NIL collectives, the Badgers are looking for a visionary who can keep Wisconsin competitive at the highest level without losing the “Wisconsin Way” culture.
The Timeline
CSA Search and Consulting is assisting the search, and the university expects the new Director of Athletics to be in their seat and ready to work by this summer. With a top-20 football recruiting class currently in the works and a basketball program navigating a busy off-season, the timing couldn’t be more critical.
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WPR is deeply saddened by the death of Jon Miskowski, PBS Wisconsin’s Emeritus Director of Television, who retired May 1. Jon died Saturday, May 9, at home surrounded by his family following a long battle with cancer. Read Jon’s obituary online here.
Starting as a volunteer for public television more than 40 years ago, Jon’s career was marked by his dedication and passion for public media to improve the lives of all of the people of Wisconsin.
Read more about Jon and his career in public media at pbswisconsin.org.
PBS Wisconsin has invited anyone with memories of Jon to share them via email at comments@pbswisconsin.org. PBS Wisconsin will share memories across digital and broadcast channels as we carry on his legacy of providing essential public media services to this state that he loved.
Jon’s family requests that anyone wishing to make a memorial gift in Jon’s memory consider supporting the work to which he dedicated his professional life. Gifts in Jon’s memory can be made online here.
WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – The Wausau West girls’ soccer team put on a defensive clinic on Tuesday, beating Wisconsin Rapids 1-0 to add another conference win.
The Warriors snagged the game’s only goal in the first half, thanks to Maddy Weller.
From there, the Warriors managaed to control posession and keep the Red Raiders out of the net.
The win moves West to 4-0-1 in the Valley, With SPASH’s draw against Everest on Tuesday, the two teams are now tied for first in conference. Rapids is now 1-3-2 in the Valley
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Copyright 2026 WSAW. All rights reserved.
MADISON, Wis. (WBAY) – 211 Wisconsin has launched a statewide anti-human trafficking awareness poster contest, inviting Wisconsin residents ages 18 and older to use their creativity to raise awareness about human trafficking and promote prevention, support and available resources.
The contest is funded by the State of Wisconsin Department of Children and Families.
The contest runs May 11 through Aug. 15, and encourages artists to submit an original poster — digital or hand-drawn — that sparks conversation and increases understanding of human trafficking in Wisconsin communities.
Participants must use one of the provided template options to create their poster.
Karen Michaels, spokesperson for 211 Wisconsin, said human trafficking is a difficult but critical issue, and awareness can save lives.
“This contest gives artists the opportunity to educate others, promote hope, and highlight resources available through 211 Wisconsin to individuals and families who may be affected,” Michaels said.
Contest details
The contest is open to Wisconsin residents and students ages 18 and older. The submission period runs through Aug. 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Artwork must be an original design, either digital or hand-drawn, to complement an awareness campaign.
First place receives $750 and statewide poster distribution. Second place receives $250. Submissions are accepted online or by mail.
Winning posters will be displayed in public and educational spaces across Wisconsin, helping to expand awareness, prevention messaging and visibility of support resources.
Artists will be evaluated using a grading rubric focused on creativity, clarity of message and community impact. Submissions must include an artist statement and a completed release form.
For full contest guidelines, submission instructions and downloadable materials, visit here.
211 Wisconsin is a free, confidential service available 24/7 statewide. Trained specialists connect people with health and human services through a statewide database.
Click here to download the WSAW news app or WSAW First Alert weather app.
Click here to submit a news tip or story idea.
Copyright 2026 WSAW. All rights reserved.
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