University chancellor-designee Phyllis Wise will face challenges similar to those she handled as the interim president and provost at the University of Washington last year.

Wise, who is expected to be approved by the University’s Board of Trustees at its upcoming meeting Sept. 9, told reporters during her introduction to the campus that working closely with legislatures and Gov. Pat Quinn will be important as institutions face decreasing support from the state.

“I worked very intensively with the legislature in Washington last year and certainly convincing the legislature that higher education is a long-term investment that will lead to multiple outcomes that will help the state,” Wise added.

Despite the lack of support, Wise said maintaining the quality of education is significant.

“For me, access means nothing unless it’s access to quality education,” she said last year at a town hall meeting at a time when Washington was dealing with possible budget cuts up to 39 percent.

When asked what she wants to address when she officially takes over on Oct. 1, Wise said that she wants to preserve the excellence of the University in areas such as education and research.

The campus has already seen effects of Illinois’ financial crisis through the approval of a 6.9 percent tuition increase and the gradual closure of the Institute of Aviation. Wise will help oversee the next steps of the Stewarding Excellence initiatives, which focus on cost-cutting measures and generating revenue.

While President Michael Hogan will take the lead in advocating the state legislature, Wise will also play a role in working closely with Hogan to lobby for funds.

“Among the many attributes Dr. Wise brings to the position is leadership experience that includes a successful working relationship with elected officials in the state of Washington on behalf of her university,” said Tom Hardy, University spokesman.

During her time at the University of Washington, Wise has been praised by key administrators, such as University of Washington President Michael Young, for “shepherding the university through very difficult financial times.”

In addition to the tuition increase and the closure of a college, administrative restructuring is being implemented, which has led to disagreements on a few issues between the academic senate and Hogan.

Hardy said he expects Wise and Hogan “will together forge a mutually respectful relationship with those organizations (senate and University Senates Conference).”

Joyce Tolliver, who will be the senate vice chair this year, said the relationship between the senate and Interim Chancellor Robert Easter was built on “mutual respect and trust,” which had made collaboration possible.

“We are very much looking forward to continuing that relationship with Dr. Wise, who has consistently demonstrated her commitment to meaningful consultation and shared decision-making,” Tolliver added in an email.