UW-Madison: Ranks high in list of universities that produce top CEOs

Contact: Meredith McGlone, 608-263-7523, meredith.mcglone@wisc.edu

Madison – The University of Wisconsin-Madison is one of only three public universities that made the top 10 list of colleges that produce the most Fortune 500 CEOs.

The list, compiled by Money Magazine, uses data from the educational backgrounds of the recently released Fortune 500.

“With strong business and engineering programs, as well as a reputation as one of the top state flagship universities in the country, it’s little surprise UW is one of three public colleges to break into this top 10 list,” says Money Magazine.

The other universities in the top 10 are Miami University of Ohio, Stanford University, Princeton University, University of Notre Dame, the United States Military Academy, Texas A&M University, Pennsylvania University, Cornell University and Harvard University.

“The University of Wisconsin-Madison not only prides itself in offering a world-class education but in preparing our students for success after graduation,” says Chancellor Rebecca M. Blank. “Being a CEO requires nimbleness across a wide set of skills. I am always pleased with how many Badgers end up in business leadership roles. This showcases the value of a UW degree.”

UW-Madison alumni mentioned in the list include: Thomas J. Falk of Kimberly-Clark, David J. Lesar of Halliburton, Thomas A. Kingsbury of Burlington Stores and Keith D. Nosbusch of Rockwell Automation.

Not only does UW-Madison have numerous graduates who become top CEOs, many give back to the university to help future graduates. Falk and his wife, Karen, who is also a UW-Madison graduate, are donating $10 million to need-based scholarships and endowed faculty positions.

“We have a long tradition of graduating inspiring leaders who form trusted relationships to improve lives,” said François Ortalo-Magné, Albert O. Nicholas Dean of the Wisconsin School of Business. “It’s affirming to see so many of them rise to positions of leadership in Fortune 500 corporations.”