Events on February 5 in history

University of Wisconsin-Madison's first class meets at Madison Female Academy.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison, often referred to simply as UW–Madison, UW, or Wisconsin, stands as a premier public land-grant research university nestled in Madison, Wisconsin. Established in 1848, the very year Wisconsin achieved statehood, it proudly serves as the official state university of Wisconsin and the flagship campus of the esteemed University of Wisconsin System. As the pioneering public higher education institution in the state, it has grown to become both the oldest and largest public university in Wisconsin.

Its designation as a land-grant institution in 1866, through the Morrill Act, fundamentally shaped its mission, emphasizing not only classical studies but also agricultural and mechanical arts, fostering practical education and research for the benefit of the state's populace. The sprawling 933-acre (378 ha) main campus is scenically situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Mendota, providing an inspiring environment for learning and discovery. This historic campus is home to four distinct National Historic Landmarks, reflecting its rich legacy and architectural significance. Further extending its influence, the university also owns and expertly manages a National Historic Landmark 1,200-acre (486 ha) arboretum, established in 1932. Located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the main campus, this arboretum is renowned globally for its pioneering work in ecological restoration and environmental research, serving as a living laboratory for conservation efforts.

Academic Excellence and Research Leadership

UW–Madison is structured into a comprehensive network of 20 schools and colleges, offering an expansive array of academic disciplines. In 2018, the university catered to a substantial student body, comprising 30,361 undergraduate students and 14,052 graduate students. Its robust academic portfolio included 136 distinct undergraduate majors, alongside an impressive 148 master's degree programs and 120 doctoral programs, providing diverse pathways for advanced study and specialization. These programs span a wide range of fields, from the arts and humanities to cutting-edge science and engineering, ensuring a holistic educational experience.

The university is an economic powerhouse for Wisconsin, holding the distinction as the largest employer in the state, supporting a vast workforce of over 21,600 dedicated faculty and staff. UW–Madison’s commitment to groundbreaking research is internationally recognized. It stands as one of the twelve founding members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), an exclusive organization comprising leading research universities across North America. This membership underscores its consistent contributions to scientific discovery and scholarly advancement.

Further affirming its elite status, UW–Madison is widely regarded as a "Public Ivy." This informal designation signifies that it offers a world-class educational experience comparable to the highly selective Ivy League universities, but at a public university cost structure. Moreover, it holds the highly coveted R1 University classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, indicating that it engages in a "very high level of research activity." This commitment to intensive research is evidenced by its remarkable research and development expenditures, which totaled an impressive $1.2 billion in 2018—ranking it among the top eight universities in the U.S. for research investment.

Distinguished Alumni and Faculty Achievements

The profound impact of UW–Madison extends through its illustrious network of alumni, faculty, and researchers. As of March 2020, the university boasted an association with 26 Nobel laureates, whose pioneering work has reshaped various fields of knowledge. This incredible intellectual legacy is further enhanced by 2 Fields Medalists, recognized for their exceptional contributions to mathematics, and 1 Turing Award winner, a testament to its influence in computer science. Beyond academia, UW–Madison also cultivates exceptional leadership in the business world; as of November 2018, it proudly claimed that the current CEOs of 14 Fortune 500 companies had attended the university—a remarkable feat that surpasses any other university in the United States, highlighting its unparalleled success in producing top-tier corporate leaders.

Pioneering Discoveries and Intellectual Heritage

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has served as a crucible for numerous scientific breakthroughs and intellectual movements that have profoundly impacted society. Among its most celebrated scientific advances are:

• The Single-Grain Experiment: A foundational study in nutritional science, this experiment conducted by Stephen Moulton Babcock in the early 20th century demonstrated that diet quality, not just caloric intake, was crucial for health and development, paving the way for the modern understanding of essential nutrients.
• Discovery of Vitamins A and B: In 1913, Elmer McCollum and Marguerite Davis isolated and identified Vitamin A and later Vitamin B (thiamine), revolutionizing the understanding of human nutrition and leading to public health interventions that eradicated deficiency diseases.
• Development of Warfarin: Karl Paul Link’s research on spoiled sweet clover disease led to the discovery and development of dicoumarol, from which the widely used anticoagulant medication warfarin was derived. This discovery has saved countless lives by preventing blood clots.
• First Chemical Synthesis of a Gene: Nobel laureate Har Gobind Khorana achieved the groundbreaking chemical synthesis of a functional gene in the 1970s, a monumental step that laid the foundation for modern genetic engineering and biotechnology.
• Discovery of Reverse Transcriptase: Nobel laureate Howard Temin co-discovered the retroviral enzyme reverse transcriptase in the early 1970s. This enzyme is crucial for the replication of retroviruses, including HIV, and its discovery was fundamental to understanding viral biology and developing antiviral therapies.
• First Synthesis of Human Embryonic Stem Cells: In 1998, James Thomson led the team that first isolated and cultured human embryonic stem cells, opening entirely new avenues for regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and the study of human development.

Beyond the realm of hard sciences, UW–Madison has also been a vibrant center for influential intellectual traditions. It was the intellectual home for both the prominent "Wisconsin School" of economics, known for its institutionalist approach to labor economics and social reform, and the "Wisconsin School" of diplomatic history, which offered critical perspectives on American foreign policy. Furthermore, UW–Madison professor and renowned environmentalist Aldo Leopold played a pivotal role in the development of modern environmental science and conservationism. His seminal work, "A Sand County Almanac," introduced the concept of the "land ethic," advocating for a moral responsibility toward the natural world and shaping the global conservation movement.

The Wisconsin Badgers: Athletic Prowess

The athletic spirit of UW–Madison is embodied by the Wisconsin Badgers, who fiercely compete in 25 intercollegiate sports within the highly competitive NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. This storied athletic program has achieved remarkable success, securing 31 national championships across various sports. The university's commitment to athletic excellence is further demonstrated by the exceptional achievements of its students and alumni on the global stage, collectively earning an impressive 50 Olympic medals, including 13 gold medals, showcasing the university's contribution to national and international sports.

Historical Footnote: Madison Female Academy

In a fascinating historical footnote to UW–Madison’s origins, the very first classes of the University of Wisconsin were actually held at the Madison Female Academy. This school for girls, which flourished in Madison, Wisconsin, during the 19th century, holds a unique place in the university’s history. However, its original grounds were later acquired in the late 19th century to facilitate urban development and become a railway depot. After operating for some years from less satisfactory premises, the Madison Female Academy eventually closed its doors.

Frequently Asked Questions about UW–Madison

What is a "Public Ivy" and why is UW–Madison considered one?

A "Public Ivy" is an informal term used to describe a public university that offers a top-tier educational experience comparable in quality and reputation to the highly selective Ivy League universities, but at a more accessible tuition typical of public institutions. UW–Madison earned this distinction due to its rigorous academics, world-class faculty, extensive research opportunities, and competitive student body, all hallmarks of elite higher education.

What does the R1 University classification signify for UW–Madison?

The R1 University classification, as designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, indicates that UW–Madison engages in a "very high level of research activity." This prestigious classification is reserved for doctoral universities with the highest levels of research funding and output, signifying UW–Madison's significant contributions to scientific discovery, innovation, and scholarly advancement across a broad spectrum of disciplines.

What is the significance of UW–Madison being a land-grant institution?

As a land-grant institution, primarily established through the Morrill Act of 1862, UW–Madison was founded with a mission to focus not only on classical studies but also on agriculture and mechanical arts. This designation emphasizes public service, practical education, and research that benefits the state's citizens and economy, deeply integrating the university with the needs and development of Wisconsin.

How has UW–Madison contributed to major scientific breakthroughs?

UW–Madison has been at the forefront of numerous pivotal scientific discoveries, including the identification of vitamins A and B, the development of the anticoagulant warfarin, the first chemical synthesis of a gene, the discovery of the retroviral enzyme reverse transcriptase, and the pioneering isolation of human embryonic stem cells. These breakthroughs have had profound impacts on nutrition, medicine, genetics, and biotechnology globally.