WISCONSIN — The University of Wisconsin System is being renamed as the Universities of Wisconsin. 

“The Universities of Wisconsin is the best way to describe our thirteen excellent universities,” Universities of Wisconsin president Jay Rothman said. “This new name rightfully shifts the focus from the System to the Universities that are providing opportunities to the students and families we serve.”

The new name encompasses the larger group of the 13 University of Wisconsin public schools.

“We have thirteen universities with one mission — to make Wisconsin Future Ready. For All,” added Karen Walsh, Board of Regents president. “I am proud to represent the Universities of Wisconsin, and everyone in our state can take pride in all the universities do to improve lives and communities.”

Rothman said he and other officials will start using Universities of Wisconsin immediately. However, University of Wisconsin System is still the legal name of the state’s public universities.

From now through the end of the year, officials will transition written materials, web pages, letterhead and other elements to the new branding. This includes a new logo, mark, and constellation map. 

“Our new identity aims to broaden awareness of our universities across the state,” Rothman said. “We believe the Universities of Wisconsin identity is more relatable for students, families and employers.”

The full transition is expected to be completed by early 2024.

“In 2024 we will have a fresh look, with a focus on our students and the 13 universities that provide the foundation for developing talent in Wisconsin,” Rothman said.

Gov. Tony Evers, D-Wisconsin, named this week the Universities of Wisconsin Week in a proclamation.

Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson, a former University of Wisconsin System president, expressed his continued support for the public universities.

“I have often said the Universities of Wisconsin are one of the state’s greatest assets, aside from its people,” Thompson said. “I have always been—and always will be—a champion of our universities.”