'I’m just devastated': UW-Milwaukee closes Institute of World Affairs after 65 years

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) has closed the Institute of World Affairs after 65 years. The program connected students to global issues, brought speakers to campus and introduced K–12 students to international policy.

Matt Brusky, a UWM graduate who earned his master’s in political science in 1998, says he is devastated by the closure.

“I’m just devastated that for about $200,000 this is coming to an end. I think it’s just a tragedy,” Brusky said.

Brusky says the institute brought major political and intellectual figures to Milwaukee and exposed the community and students to ideas they would not otherwise encounter.

“Brought major people here both political and thinkers and exposed them to our community, the youth, students. That’s gone. That’s lost,” he said.

UWM closed the institute on December 16, saying it was not financially sustainable. The university says the move will save about $200,000 a year.” Brusky said, “$200,000? It just blows my mind. The short sightedness of whoever decided this."

Brusky adds that the closure raises larger questions about the role of public education in the community.

“What is the role of public education in our university system in the Wisconsin Idea? And that’s more than just educating nurses, doctors, lawyers, or technical degrees. It's about creating citizens in a democracy and we have to have a discussion on whether that means anything anymore,” he said.

In a statement Wednesday, Dec. 17, UWM said quote:

“The Institute of World Affairs served UWM and the Milwaukee community with distinction for many years, providing value through its programs and initiatives. After careful review of UWM’s fiscal priorities and program sustainability, the university made the difficult decision to close the institute, concluding that it was not financially viable in the long term. Despite the closure, UWM continues to prioritize and integrate global perspectives through a range of programs and initiatives. Schools and programs across UWM embed global issues in their offerings through public lectures, exhibitions panels, academic pathways, clubs and student involvement, service-learning initiatives with global dimensions and language and continuing education. These efforts ensure ongoing dialogue and learning about international affairs for both students and the Milwaukee community.”