About WiscNet
WiscNet’s history began in the early 1980s when colleges and universities started connecting to the internet. WiscNet is one of the earliest state networks, but similar organizations now exist in more than half of U.S. states. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, WiscNet, a nonprofit, is powered by a local staff of 26 people who support a membership organization of more than 500 K-12 districts, private colleges and universities, technical colleges, library systems, municipalities, government entities and health care organizations.
Organizational Overview
WiscNet is a Research and Education Network community that offers technology services to various institutions, including K-12 districts, private colleges and universities, technical colleges, library systems, municipalities, government, and health care. Its primary mission is to connect people and strategies to address common technology challenges and create innovative solutions to support its heterogeneous educational, research, and community service objectives. The organization strongly emphasizes building a support community, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge and experiences, all without the competitive dynamics often found in the corporate world. WiscNet is known for its passionate members and staff, unique qualities, leadership in the state and nation, and commitment to problem-solving, trust, innovation, and flexibility.
What sets WiscNet apart are its strong relationships, its status as a valuable asset to Wisconsin, and its focus on being a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting its members and communities. The organization thrives on embracing innovative and unconventional ideas while maintaining a culture of teaching and learning, sharing expertise, and fostering a sense of reciprocity and collaboration. WiscNet is known for its willingness to experiment, adapt to the needs of its members, and always put its members' interests at the forefront, making it a member-focused network organization.
WiscNet Staff
WiscNet staff work not only to support you, serve you, and resolve whatever is standing in your way, but also to pursue wild ideas with you rather than for you.
You can find out more about who we are on our staff page. Would you like to be part of the WiscNet staff? Check our Careers page for current job openings.
WiscNet Board of Directors
The WiscNet Board of Directors governs WiscNet and provides strategic guidance to the CEO. The Board consists of a maximum of fifteen members representing various sectors, including private higher education in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Technical College System, K-12 institutions, and the general membership. UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and the UW System each have designated seats on the Board, which the Board fills at its discretion.
WiscNet Vision and Strategic Plan
Our vision is to be the catalyst for a connected, innovative, and secure future. We unite people and strategies through our community and foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence. We will continuously adapt to the evolving IT landscape, primarily focusing on safeguarding data and securing IT infrastructures. We commit to creating a resilient and secure digital realm, ensuring information security and paving the way for a more secure digital future.
Furthermore, our vision centers on community engagement and empowerment. We prioritize discovering unique individuals within our community, enabling them to make a meaningful difference. This involves connecting people, harnessing their expertise, and fostering a sense of uniqueness and innovation. We are steadfast in our dedication to addressing cybersecurity threats, strengthening our entire WiscNet community to meet this critical need, and ensuring a safe, connected, and thriving future.
Looking forward, the WiscNet Strategic Plan envisions a secure future platform, establishing a robust and secure digital environment, reinforcing members’ IT infrastructures, protecting their data, and strengthening their connected digital systems in service to their constituents.