The UW System Board of Regents met on March 4th. The main presentation for the meeting brought together four chambers of commerce and economic development leaders to share experiences with the key challenges facing Wisconsin’s businesses: the development of local talent, building stronger connections between students and their local communities, supporting internships experiences, and access to broadband. Allison Steil, director of federal relations, presented the Board with a report on UW System’s federal priorities for the coming year, which include the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, student financial aid, the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, immigration reform, resources for research and development, and the need for fostering talent and diversity. Regent President Petersen provided an update on UW System’s biennial budget capital request; and UW System President Tommy Thompson updated Regents on the COVID-19 response around the UW System. The Board of Regents welcomed a new member: John W. Miller, founder and principal at Arenberg Holdings, a venture capital fund established in 2015 to make investments in early stage companies. Miller has a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. The Regents approved a new award recognizing the outstanding contributions of UW System’s University Staff. Two individuals and one program will be honored. The Regents University Staff Excellence awards will be presented for the first time at the Board’s October 2021 meeting.