UW-Whitewater leaders recognized by Milwaukee BizTimes

January 28, 2025

Two members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater family — each known for their passion, energy and commitment — earned spots on the BizTimes Media 2025 Notable Leaders in Higher Education list.

Glenn “Doc” Hayes, a champion of music and cornerstone of the university’s College of Arts and Communication, and Katie Kuznacic, a campus leader and productive fundraiser, were recognized by the publication as leaders in higher education in Southeastern Wisconsin.

“Doc and Katie are great representatives of our university. They are passionate and caring leaders, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition,” Chancellor Corey King said. “They embody what we describe as Warhawk Bold in their spaces, and have each demonstrated their positive impact well beyond campus.”

 

Hayes “one of the best on campus”

 

 

Hayes, director of bands and professor of music, is in his 38th year as a member of the Warhawk family. He has conducted performances at some of the world’s most famous venues while evolving UW-Whitewater into one of Wisconsin’s leaders in music education.

Under his direction the Symphonic Wind Ensemble became the first university band from the state to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2013 and, one year later, at the Symphony Center for the 2014 Chicago International Music Festival. The group performed again at Carnegie Hall in 2020 and will return to the world-famous venue for a performance this spring.

The Warhawk Marching Band, also directed by Hayes, has performed 12 times at Lambeau Field — most recently in 2023— and three times during the Milwaukee Brewers’ Opening Day ceremonies.

“I am so honored to receive the BizTimes Notable Leaders in Higher Education honor,” Hayes said. “There are so many phenomenal people on our campus! I cannot adequately express my gratitude in representing the university in this way. I’m so blessed to receive truly extraordinary support from our administration, my colleagues and the phenomenal students that I have the joy of assisting on their journey. UW-Whitewater is a remarkable family! I am eternally thankful that my path led me here.”

Hayes’ impact reaches well beyond campus. He has been involved with nearly a dozen state and national organizations, presenting at more than 20 national and international conferences and guest conducting on four continents. He has earned numerous university, state and national awards, including induction into the Wisconsin School Music Association Marching Band Hall of Fame and the Signature Sinfonian National Award from Phi Mu Alpha for character, leadership, scholarship, and a career of achievement in advancing music. He is a recipient of the university’s Dr. Elmer G. Redford ’59 Faculty Service Award (2012) and the Outstanding LGBTQ+ Ally Award (2022).

 

 

Under Hayes’ leadership, UW-Whitewater has hosted the Wisconsin High School Marching Band Championships for each of the last 32 years and has coached thousands of youth through its high school band camp, which has been in existence for more than 50 years.

Hayes has mentored hundreds of Warhawks during his time on campus, including students, faculty and staff who’ve launched and/or enhanced careers in music education and other industries.

“’Doc’ is more than worthy of this recognition — quite simply, he’s one of the best on campus,” said Michael Dugan, dean of the College of Arts and Communication. “He is a leader on our campus and a respected global figure in the musical community. It is a joy to work with him each day as we move the Department of Music and the College forward.”

 

Kuznacic making big strides in philanthropy, alumni engagement

 

 

Kuznacic started working in philanthropy and alumni engagement at UW-Whitewater in 2010. She currently serves as the vice chancellor for university relations and president of the UW-Whitewater Foundation and is a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet leadership team.

Since starting in her position in 2023, Kuznacic has organized strategic collaboration and thought leadership with internal and external stakeholders to provide support for the student experience. Working with her university relations team, she has secured several six- and seven-figure gift commitments, leading to a record-breaking fundraising performance during the most recent fiscal year. Kuznacic also leads a highly engaged, supportive Foundation Board.

 

 

“I’d like to thank the BizTimes for this wonderful recognition and Will Broussard, vice chancellor of university advancement at UW-Stevens Point, for submitting the nomination,” Kuznacic said. “I’m privileged to work with talented, passionate people — including students, faculty, staff and alumni — at UW-Whitewater on a daily basis. It’s an incredible honor to be on this prestigious list.”

Kuznacic obtained a $2 million endowed faculty chair last fall, a gift that will support UW-Whitewater faculty in the enhancement of student opportunities that positively affect Wisconsin’s economy. She is currently planning a minimum $50 million fundraising campaign set to launch this year.

“Since Katie’s arrival nearly 15 years ago, the UW-Whitewater Foundation has made huge strides in fundraising to support student success priorities and initiatives. It is a privilege to work with someone who is so passionate about the university and the student experience,” said Sandy Dunst, chair of the UW-Whitewater Foundation Board and 1979 graduate with a BBA in accounting. “Last year alone, under her leadership, the foundation provided over $3.5 million in impact to the university, including over $1.3 million in scholarships.”

Kuznacic, who earned both a B.A. in speech and public relations and a Master of Business Administration from UW-Whitewater, is a member of the Janesville Lions Club. She has spoken at the Wisconsin Research Administrators Network Symposium and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.