Regent Randall's biography on UW Web site

Regent Brandes' biography on UW Web site

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Eau Claire alumni vocal as regent

As the University of Wisconsin's Board of Regents converge on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Oct. 4 and 5, one of the regents prepares to return to her alma mater.  This regent has been very involved or interested in UW-Eau Claire since she went to school here in the 1970s, and is still very proud to be a Blugold.

JoAnne Brandes, a regent since 1996, graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 1975 with a double major in journalism and political science.  Brandes said that she chose Eau Claire because she received a Wisconsin honor scholarship and was able to go to any school in the UW System, and Eau Claire had very strong academic programs in her chosen fields.  Brandes also served on the Board of Visitors at UW-Eau Claire from 1980 to 1981.

From UW-Eau Claire, Brandes went on to get a degree in 1978 specializing in corporate, litigation and employment law  from Willamette University College of Law in Oregon.  After graduating from Willamette, Brandes practiced  corporate law at a law firm in Milwaukee, and is currently a senior vice president at S.C. Johnson Commercial Markets. She also is a member of the Governor's Commission on the Glass Ceiling, which played a role in her appointment to the Board of Regents.  The commission looks at whether or not race and gender play a role in advancements in the workplace.

"Regent Brandes has been a strong asset to the board," Gerard Randall, vice president of the Board of Regents said.  "Her knowledge of international business and its relationship to higher education has assisted the board in crafting a policy on study abroad programs through the University of Wisconsin System."

Since her appointment to the Board of Regents in 1996, Brandes has returned to Eau Claire several times, such as when she has given the commencement address at graduation and when Chancellor Donald Mash was sworn in.  

Brandes said, "I am deeply indebted to the university."  She said that it gave her many opportunities that she will not forget.

Specifically, she is interested in the study abroad programs, and likes to bring attention to the program because she understands the value of international education.  Brandes went further by saying that she thought that many majors ought to have study abroad required because business and other fields are becoming more international.  Brandes did not study abroad while attending UW-Eau Claire, but since then she has traveled all over the world.

"I have many strong opinions on keeping the quality of education up in the UW System," Brandes said, "and I understand the importance of diversity."  

Brandes said that she is an integral part of the Board of Regents because she is one of three appointed regents who happen to be women and she also has extensive experience working in global business.

Brandes said that for the regents the most highly debated issues involve the UW System budget, the admissions process and tuition or salaries. 

Brandes says that a regent's job consists basically of meetings with the entire board, as well as the various committee or subcommittee meetings.  They also spend quite a bit of time walking around campuses in the UW System, and they also have quite a bit of reading to do every day.

Brandes was the chairwoman for the education committee for a number of years, although she is no longer the chairwoman because of the term limits for holding this position.  This job has been seen as a shoo-in for the vice president position on the Board of Regents, but in May 2000, in a surprise vote, Randall was elected.  

She said that she lost this position due to Gov. Tommy Thompson's interference.  Brandes said that the governor called her and informed her that he was going to recommend that Randall be elected for the position.  But Brandes, as well as Randall, report that there are no hard feelings and that the regents overall get along quite well. 

Brandes said that the key to becoming a regent is to get involved in your community and to get as much personal experience in your field as you can.  

"You can bring them (your experiences) into the regents," Brandes said. "It  (becoming a regent) involves a lot of luck and timing."