Steve Wright served the Computer Sciences department as Chair from 2023-25 and is now, in his words, stepping down to “embrace my role as a professor and researcher once more.” Wright says, “I gave my best effort to the chair role, and much was accomplished in growing the department and putting it on a sound footing in personnel, organizational, and financial respects.” A primary area of focus for Wright was faculty hiring, and fourteen assistant professors were hired during his two years as chair – the two most successful years of recruiting in the department’s history. Wright says, “We’re excited about the expertise and energy that these new colleagues are bringing to our research and teaching endeavors, and we look forward to helping them to develop their careers.” Additionally, several new teaching faculty and instructional support staff were added to enhance our growing instructional program.
As he leaves the position, Wright thanks the many people who worked with him to “make good things happen,” including faculty, staff, and alumni, and “all who make UW-Madison Computer Sciences such a high-impact and all-around wonderful institution.”
Thank you, Professor Wright, for your service over the last two years. We’re looking forward to seeing you around the department in your new, or actually old, role!