Remembering Chancellor Emeritus Charles W. Sorensen

Our University’s longest-serving chancellor, from 1988 to 2014
In this Section

Charles W. Sorensen poses at the entrance to Bowman Hall

Charles W. Sorensen poses at the entrance to Bowman Hall shortly after he arrived at UW-Stout to become chancellor. Prior to being named to the post, Sorensen served as vice president for Academic Affairs at Winona State University in Winona, Minn.

 

Listening sessin

Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen makes a point at a campus meeting. Administratively, Sorensen initiated a new campus governance process in May 1996: the Chancellor’s Advisory Council, which includes representatives from all campus constituencies.  

 

Baldrige award ceremony

UW-Stout received the 2001 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in a 2002 ceremony in Washington, D.C.  From left to right are Donald Evans, secretary of Commerce; Julie Furst-Bowe, associate vice chancellor; Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen; President George W. Bush; and Rod Paige; education secretary.

 

Laptop program ceremony

Sorensen is shown here in 2002 with former Gov. Scott McCallum signing an agreement with computer vendors establishing the eStout laptop program. It provides laptop computers to all undergraduates and is the foundation for a campuswide digital learning environment.

 

Jarvis Hall addition groundbreaking

Sorensen wields a shovel at the groundbreaking for the Jarvis Hall Science Addition. Another major focus of Sorensen’s was to expand science-related programs at UW-Stout. New science programs include applied science, which has a preprofessional track that prepares students for medical and other professional pursuits; cognitive science; science education; and technology and science education.

 

Chuck and Toni Poll-Sorensen

Chuck and Toni Poll-Sorensen at an event for the Board of Regents meeting at UW-Stout in 2012.

 

Standing ovation from the state legislature

Charles W. Sorensen and his wife Toni Poll-Sorensen receive a standing ovation from the Wisconsin state Senate in February 2014. The state Senate and state Assembly passed a joint resolution commending Sorensen for his contributions to UW-Stout.

 

Charles W. Sorensen, Ray Cross and Bob Meyer

From left, Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen, University of Wisconsin System President Ray Cross and Chancellor-designate Robert Meyer are pictured at the UW-Stout Visioning Session in July 2014. Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen and Doug Mell, Executive Director of Communications and External Relations discuss Sorensen's 26 years leading UW-Stout, the accomplishments, the lessons learned and his plans for retirement.

 

Chancellor Charles W. Sorensen and Doug Mell, Executive Director of Communications and External Relations discuss Sorensen's career leading UW-Stout.