(Lay of the Land, 2008)
Dr. James R. Connor was one of the most influential figures on our campus during his years of being the University’s Chancellor. Prior to coming to Whitewater, he served in the United States Army (1946-1947 and 1951-1953), earned his M.S. and Ph.D. from UW-Madison, and taught at several universities. Dr. Connor provided Whitewater with exceptional educational opportunities that are still present for all students today.
In 1974, James R. Connor was introduced as the new Chancellor for UW-Whitewater. During his early years as chancellor, he emphasized “people over things.” He believed everyone deserved the opportunity of higher education. This became apparent when the enrollment rate grew from 8,150 to 10,000 students during his time as chancellor. Not only was he providing students with an opportunity to grow, but students were also excelling in the environment he created. More students graduated during Dr. Connor’s administration than the ten previous administrations combined, and the return rate of freshmen for their second year grew to 80%. Although Chancellor Connor disagreed, a freshmen enrollment cap was put in place for the first time in the school’s history.
Dr. Connor pushed for state-of-the-art facilities to deliver high quality education. During his tenure, the campus added the Observatory, McGraw Hall Computer Science Center, the Upham Hall Greenhouse addition, the Alumni Center, the Williams Center addition, and the groundbreaking of the Irvin L. Young Auditorium. These new buildings helped to increase campus accessibility and educational opportunities for all Whitewater students.
International Year of the Disabled person was declared in 1981. To develop awareness and acceptance of persons with disabilities, Dr. Connor spent a full day on campus in a wheelchair. Through this experience, he described being wheeled up the stairs backwards as “terrifying.” This caused Chancellor Connor to become more aggressive in creating an accessible campus for everyone.
(Zöe Connor Balcony Dedication, 2008)
At the age of 62, Whitewater’s beloved Chancellor retired in 1991. The UW-Whitewater Student Foundation named the James R. Connor Leadership Grant in his honor because of his dedication to the individual student, as well as the student body. Several years later, Chancellor H. Gaylon Greenhill led the charge to rename and dedicate the University Center (UC) in honor of Dr. James R Connor in 1998.
Dr. Connor’s legacy lived on in the remodeling project of the University Center in 2005-2008 (with universal design concepts being implemented into the new building). In addition, Dr. and Mrs. Connor’s generosity paved the way for the Zöe Connor Balcony and the Connor Conference Room in the new UC.
Chancellor Connor’s vision ultimately pushed UW-Whitewater in a direction that had a positive effect on the campus community. In the words of Dr. Connor, “we have the courage to face the future, and the tools with which to shape it.” (1981 Minneiska, pg. 34)
Rest in peace, Dr. Connor.
–Alec Meixelsperger
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